Never Too Old

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Never Too Old ISBN 9781419910999 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Never Too Old Copyright © 2008 Carol Lynne Edited by Briana St. James. Photography and cover art by Les Byerley. Electronic book Publication August 2008 With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

NEVER TOO OLD

Carol Lynne

Dedication Dedicated to all the sexy men over the age of fifty.

Never Too Old

Chapter One Joe was going crazy. He’d tried to keep himself busy working out. He tried to think about anything and everything besides the sexy woman in the kitchen. The woman who’d practically grown up in his house. He was kicking himself for telling his surrogate daughter, Annabel, that her best friend could stay with him. Sure, he knew there was a reason for it, and a very good one. With Annie’s father, Gerald Jenkins, out of prison and hell-bent on killing her, Annie was worried about Holly, especially so after Holly received a late-night visit from a prowler. Of course none of them believed it was a coincidence. Nope, it was Gerald Jenkins, sure as shit, and there was no one left in Holly’s life to help protect her. The problem was him. Holly was starting to drive him mad. Every sway of her breasts and swing of her heart-shaped ass tortured him. Joe wanted her with a passion the likes of which he’d never known and it made him feel ashamed of himself. He’d loved his wife so much. The two of them had been best friends for almost thirty years before she died, but he’d never wanted from a woman what he wanted from Holly. Sexual positions he’d never even tried with his deceased wife came to mind whenever he watched Holly walk by. He wanted to bend her over every piece of furniture in this house and take her. Take all of her, in every orifice and every position. He set the barbell down and wiped his face with a towel. Get a grip, you horny old man. Joe stood and walked out of his exercise room. Unable to stay away, Joe stopped by the kitchen on the way to the shower. “Mmm. Something smells good,” he said, walking into the kitchen. Holly turned away from the stove to face him. “I made potato soup. I hope you like it.” She smiled at Joe.

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“I love it.” He gave Holly a wink as he took a bottle of water out of the fridge. Geez, look at him flirting with a woman thirty years younger. “I’m going up to take a shower. I’ll be back in a few.” Joe took one last look at Holly’s butt and went upstairs.

***** With his last patient for the day taken care of, Joe decided to burn off some of his tension in his home gym. There had been several occasions the last few days when he’d gotten the distinct impression Holly was flirting with him. He knew it was an old man’s mind playing tricks on him, but he couldn’t shake the feelings they evoked. Joe was just about to get on the treadmill when Holly walked in, wearing a pair of the tiniest workout shorts he’d ever seen. She’d topped the skimpy bottoms with a sports bra that left little to the imagination. Oh good Lord, how am I supposed to run with a hard-on? Holly stopped short when she spotted him. “Sorry. I thought you’d gone out for your run.” Holly walked farther into the room. “Uh. No. Brody told me it would be best to run on the treadmill for a while until they caught Gerald. I’ll…uh…just go find something else to do and let you work out in peace.” Joe started toward the door, holding a towel in front of him. Holly stepped in front of him and put her hand on his chest. The heat from her touch traveled down Joe’s chest straight to his balls. He closed his eyes and bit back a moan. “Don’t go. It’s more fun to work out with someone else. You won’t bother me.” She slid her hand down and across his chest. “And from the feel of it, I’m sure you could give me some pointers.” Joe swallowed around the quickly forming knot in his throat. “Wh-What do you need help with? I can tell by your body you already know what you’re doing.” Oh God, had he just said that out loud?

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Holly smiled and ran her other hand over her firm, flat stomach. “I do stomach crunches every morning. I like short shirts too much not to.” She winked at Joe and ran her hand over her hip. “What I’m really having a hard time with are my hips. I must not be doing the right kind of exercises, because they just seem to be getting bigger instead of just tighter,” Holly said. To Joe’s utter amazement, Holly did the unthinkable and took his hand and ran it over her perfectly firm hip. When Holly slid his hand back to her sweet bottom, it was too much temptation and Joe ran like a frightened teenage boy. “I just remembered there are some patient charts I need to finish before dinner.” He didn’t give Holly a chance to reply before he was out of the room. He practically ran to the clinic at the back of the house and shut himself in his office. He locked the door and fell into his chair. Reaching his hand down the front of his workout pants, he wrapped his fingers around his throbbing erection. “What’s happening to me?”

***** Joe hid in his office until almost eight o’clock. Holly had knocked and asked if he was coming out to eat, but he’d begged off, saying he’d grab a sandwich when he was finished. Now as he prepared himself to face Holly, the war in his head was still playing. He’d known Holly all her life. What kind of man had fantasies about a woman who’d practically grown up in his house? Then again, Holly had definitely been trying to seduce him earlier. Was it so bad that he wanted her as much as she seemed to want him? They were both well over the age of consent. From what Annie had told him, Holly didn’t give most men the time of day, so why him? What could that beautiful creature possibly see in such an old man?

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With a deep breath, he unlocked the door and went through the hall to the kitchen. Holly was at the sink washing dishes when he stepped into the room. “I’m sorry about earlier,” he said. Holly looked over her shoulder and Joe nearly fell to his knees to beg her forgiveness. The sadness evident in her red puffy eyes made him feel lower than low. He wanted to take away her pain, to hold her in his arms and give them both what they seemed to desire. He opened his mouth to explain himself, but Holly turned and held up her wet hand, stopping him. “I’m the one who owes you an apology. I acted like a slut and tried to push you into acting on something you’re obviously not ready for.” Joe walked the few feet that separated them. “No,” he said and put his hands on Holly’s hips. “Please don’t tell me you’re sorry. Just knowing someone as special as you is interested in a boring old doctor…” Joe pulled her closer. He looked into her eyes and lowered his head. “I’m gonna kiss you,” he warned. As Joe’s mouth descended on Holly’s, the sparks between them ignited into a fullblown blaze. Holly wrapped her arms around his neck and pushed her luscious breasts against his chest. Opening her mouth, Holly welcomed his tongue. Joe’s hands gripped her ass and pulled her tighter against his aching erection. It wasn’t enough. Joe needed to feel her skin. He slipped his hands under the short skirt. Smooth, soft skin met his hands. He broke the kiss and looked into her eyes. “No panties?” “Thong.” Holly rubbed her pussy against Joe’s cock. Joe chuckled and felt for the tiny strip of material between her butt cheeks. “They didn’t have these back in my dating days.” He followed the material around to her wet pussy. Slipping a finger under the small piece of material, Joe sank his finger into her channel. “Damn, Holly. I want you so

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much.” Joe closed his eyes and tried to fight his natural impulses to bend Holly over the nearest surface and take what he needed. Holly reached down and stripped her t-shirt over her head in one fluid motion. Her breasts were incredible. High and firm with large brownish-pink nipples, Joe couldn’t resist bending his head and taking one into his mouth. Holly arched her back as Joe suckled her nipple while slipping another finger into her wet pussy. “Yes,” Holly moaned at the dual invasion. “Fuck me.” Swept up in the moment, Joe didn’t think twice. He pulled out his fingers and carried her into the living room. Setting Holly on the sofa, he quickly relieved her of the short skirt and thong. He stood in awe as he looked at her perfectly proportioned body. Shaking his head, Joe took off his white t-shirt and struggled out of his athletic shoes. He watched Holly’s face as he pushed down his sweats and jockstrap. It had been a while since he’d been naked in front of a woman. Nora had been the only woman he’d ever made love to, until now. Joe couldn’t help but to wonder if he’d measure up to Holly’s expectations. “Oh my.” Holly’s expression went from shock to wanton in a split second. She reached out and wrapped her fingers around his aching shaft. Pulling him closer, Holly enveloped the head of his cock in her warm mouth. Fuck. Nora had rarely given him a blowjob. He’d thought women didn’t enjoy it, but Holly sure seemed to know what she was doing. Joe gritted his teeth as he fought the urge to thrust his hips. Holly’s tongue swirled around his length as she took him to the back of her throat. If he dropped dead right then, he’d die a happy man. Reaching out, he wound his hands in Holly’s silky black hair. “Oh God, it feels so good.” When Holly placed her hands on his butt cheeks and pulled him closer, he thrust into her mouth just a tiny bit. Holly’s mouth felt like home. So warm and soft. He felt cherished for the first time in too many years to count. She loved on his cock like he was the best thing to ever come into her life. And Joe ate it up. But he wasn’t as young as he 9

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used to be and knew if he came this way, it would be a while before he could come in her pussy. Reluctantly, Joe pulled out of Holly’s mouth. When she looked up at him with those big green eyes of hers, he smiled and ran his finger down her cheek. “I need to be inside you when I come.” Smiling, Holly leaned back on the couch and spread her legs. “Please.” Joe noticed the narrow strip of pubic hair above her pussy as he lowered his head to taste her. He ran his tongue up the entire length of her slit before swirling the tip around her clit. His nerves were put at ease as Holly moaned and thrust against his mouth. Yes, he was doing it right. Sucking the swollen clit into his mouth, he gave it a light nip with his teeth before moving down to taste more of her cream. If he made love to this woman on a regular basis, he knew he’d become a greedy man. Joe’s hand circled his cock as he lapped at her pussy. Holly’s juices were better than anything he’d ever tasted. Holly thrust up once more and screamed her climax. “Yes. Yes.” Her body bowed and her skin flushed as the waves of pleasure seemed to engulf her. Pulling his tongue out of her pussy, Joe climbed over her and put the head of his cock to the entrance of Holly’s still-quivering pussy. “Are you protected, angel?” Opening her eyes, Holly wrapped her arms around Joe’s neck and pulled him down for a kiss. “Yeah. I take the shot every three months.” She opened her legs even farther to let him in. Joe started to plunge in to the hilt, but stopped himself in time. “Shit. It’s been so long, I forgot about being safe.” He wiped the moisture from his forehead. “What the hell am I doing?” Joe looked around the familiar living room he’d called home for thirty-six years. He’d inherited the house from his grandmother when he was barely twenty. He already had a wife and son by then, his darling Nora getting pregnant their senior year in high school. 10

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Joe hadn’t thought twice, he loved Nora. They married right after graduation and Brody came at the end of the summer of that same year. Joe’s Grandma Dunberg was a stickler for getting an education, though. Her will stipulated that Joe could have the house along with a good-sized inheritance if he went to college and made something of himself. It was the break that every young father dreams of. He moved Nora and Brody into the house and traveled eighty miles every day to the college in Colorado Springs. After eight years of hard work and long nights, Joe became a doctor. He set up practice in what had once been the servant quarters at the back of the house. The day his Nora died of cancer was the worst day of his life. Nora had been gone ten years now and Joe felt so lonely he was ashamed of himself. He was a fifty-six-yearold man. Looking down at Holly, Joe shook his head. “I think we should stop.” Running her hands, up his arms, Holly sighed. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted this?” Joe pulled back and tipped her chin up. “Why would you want an old man? You’re gorgeous. You could easily go into any club in Colorado Springs and have your pick of available men. Why me?”

“Because you’re hot. No matter what age a man is, when he’s sexy, he’s sexy. But more than that, you’re kind and generous with your feelings.” Holly chewed her lip. She wasn’t sure just how much to divulge. “I’ve never met a finer man than you, Joe Dunberg.” She ran her hand down his chest to his erect cock. “This is an added bonus. But it’s not the most important thing to me. I haven’t known many good men in my life. I’ve wanted even fewer. But I’ve wanted you for years.” Running his hand through his short black and gray hair, Joe shook his head. “I’m just not sure it’s right, Holly. You’re thirty years younger than I am.” 11

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He stood and helped Holly to her feet. “I’m sorry. I guess I need a little time to think things through.” Joe placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “I haven’t wanted anyone since Nora died. Hell, you’re the only person besides my late wife I’ve ever been naked with.” Joe hugged her. “I’m just not sure about it. Can you give me a little time to work things through?” Oh, no, no, no. She couldn’t let Joe retreat. She’d wanted him too damn long to let him get away now. Maybe once he got past the guilt, they could move forward? Holly decided she needed to tell him that she’d known exactly what she was doing. Tilting her head up, Holly gave him a kiss. “The only thing I’m sorry about is that you stopped before we made love.” “I think I feel the same way and that’s part of my problem.” Joe kissed Holly once more and left the room, picking up his clothes as he went. Holly stood there with her mouth open. What? Did that mean he was ashamed of himself or that he didn’t want to want her?

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Chapter Two Two months later, Joe took a beer out of the fridge and walked to the living room to catch the baseball game on TV. This mood he’d found himself in was all Annie’s fault. On Annie and Callum’s wedding day, he’d felt depressed. It wasn’t the wedding that had put him into the mood, but rather seeing Holly for the first time in over a month. Once Gerald had been killed, Holly moved back to Colorado Springs, and his house once again felt lonely. God, he hadn’t been able to take his eyes off Holly the entire day. All he could think about was what might have been. Annie had caught him sitting alone under a tree and brought him a beer. They had talked about her new life with her husband Callum and Joe’s son Brody. The threesome was happier than he’d ever seen them. Annie, being the smart girl that she was, had picked up on his desires for her best friend. She confronted him with the fact that Holly felt the same for him. He’d tried like hell to explain the reasons he’d pulled back from their budding relationship. He was too damn old to start a new family. Annie had surprised him with the news that Holly had never wanted children. That the only thing she’d ever really wanted was him. Knowing that Holly only wanted him and not a family made things easier to accept for Joe. He was honest enough with himself to finally admit that he’d begun to fall in love with Holly. Although Joe still couldn’t figure out why such a beautiful young woman would want to tie herself down to an aging small-town doctor. But if fate was going to give him another chance at love, Joe was going to grab it. Setting his bottle of beer down, Joe reached for the phone. He pressed the memory button Holly had programmed into his phone. “Hello.” 13

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Damn, he was in trouble. Joe’s cock went hard as soon as Holly’s sultry voice came over the phone. “Hi. It’s me.” There was a moment of silence and Joe wondered if she’d hung up on him. Shit, had he waited too long? Maybe she was already seeing someone else. “Hi, Joe,” Holly finally said. “Look, I know I’ve been a complete ass about this whole thing, but I wondered if you’d go out with me Friday night? I’d like the chance to explain myself.” God, he sounded like some pimply-faced teenager. Again, Holly hesitated. “That would depend. Are you asking me out to tell me you loved Nora so much that you’re done with women or will this be our first official date?” “I haven’t been on a real date since high school. But yeah, that’s kinda where I was headed with the invitation.” Another long pause, and Joe felt like he might be sick. When Holly’s voice finally spoke, he braced himself. “I’d love to go out with you. I’m just sorry today is only Wednesday.” There was a brief pause before she continued, “I’ve missed you.” Joe let out the breath he hadn’t been aware he’d been holding. “I’ve missed you too, angel. I thought…oh hell, I don’t know what I thought anymore. I guess I just needed to make sure this is really what you want.” Joe decided to lay it all out on the table. “If I begin this game with you, I’ll play for keeps.” Joe rolled his eyes. Crap, that sounded stupid. Did he have to turn everything into a sports analogy? “I like the thought of being kept by you,” Holly answered smoothly. Holly’s sultry voice went straight to his cock, hardening it even further. Joe couldn’t help but to run his hands over the top of his jogging shorts. He must have moaned because Holly giggled.

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“What are you doing, Joe?” she asked. “Just sitting on the couch having a beer and thinking about you,” he answered. “About how your nose crinkles when you laugh and how the tips of your ears go red when you’re angry or upset.” Joe burrowed his hand under his shorts and briefs, taking his aching length into his hand. He bit back the moan this time, but his breathing had picked up dramatically. Running his hand up his shaft, Joe pressed against the sensitive underside of his cock. Holly’s sexy voice came back over the line. “Are you touching yourself, Joe?” Damn, he’d been busted. Still, Holly didn’t seem to mind the thought of him getting off while talking to her. He decided to take a leap of faith. “Mmm-hmm. It’s that voice of yours. I can’t stop myself from getting hard whenever I hear it. Especially now, when I’m missing you so much. I guess you probably think I’m an old fool.” Joe’s hand stopped stroking and waited for her reaction. “Would it help if I told you I was already thinking about you before you called?” Holly asked. “Would it help if I told you I’m naked in bed right now with a plug in my ass and a vibrator in my pussy just thinking of you?” Holly moaned loudly and clearly enough for him to hear. Joe pushed his clothes down to his ankles as he leaned farther back on the sofa. Had she just told him what he thought she had? “Oh God. You like it in the ass?” Realizing his long-hidden fantasy had a chance to finally come true almost pushed Joe over the edge. He worked his cock harder and faster, his knuckles turning white as he fisted his length. “That’s been a fantasy of mine for as long as I can remember,” he panted. “Mmm…” “Move the plug around for me, angel.” Joe used one of his hands to cup his sac and squeeze.

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“Oh God, Joe.” He heard the desperation in Holly’s voice. He could tell she was in the state between pleasure and pain, needing that last little push over the edge. Joe decided to do something he’d never done before and talk dirty to her. “I’m gonna fuck that pretty ass of yours. I’m gonna pound my big cock so hard and deep inside that ass you’ll be able to taste my cum when it shoots out the end of my cock.” Holly wailed her release and Joe came with an intensity he’d never known. His cum shot straight up and landed on his dark blue t-shirt. He shouted Holly’s name as the force of his climax ripped through him. “Fuck, angel.” Not a word was said for several minutes. When Holly’s voice came over the phone it sounded dreamy and sated. “Thank you.” Chuckling, Joe reached for a couple of tissues from the side table. “No. Thank you. Just the thought of that pretty ass of yours getting drilled by my cock sent me over the edge.” Wow. Look at him sounding knowledgeable. “I liked that. When you talked dirty to me? It’s so unlike you that it makes me feel special.” “You are special. And I’ll be honest with you. I’ve never talked like that to anyone before. I’ve kept all my true desires locked deep inside me, afraid of what people would think if they knew the truth. But it’s different with you. I’m different with you.” Joe sighed into the phone. “I need you to know it’s not just about the sex. Though I must admit, that’s an added bonus. I’d have never guessed you’d let me make love to you like that.” “I’ve never had a real cock there. I’ve always been too ashamed to ask anyone. It seems like something a slut would ask for.” “Never. Never think of yourself like that for wanting what feels good to you.” Joe rested his head on the back of the sofa.

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“Whatever you want or need from me in that department, I wanna know. I plan on keeping you well satisfied so you don’t go looking for someone younger to do the job.” “I’ve had younger men, and I can honestly tell you I don’t want them. You made me feel more in one afternoon of foreplay than any other man ever has.” Holly’s voice started to go soft. Joe could tell she was starting to think of the past too much. “So tell me what you’d like to do on our date? Would you like to go somewhere nice to eat and do a little dancing afterward?” Joe finished cleaning himself and slipped his clothes back into place. “That sounds nice. Will you stay up here for the weekend?” Holly asked. This was the part of his job he and Nora had always fought over. He was a little surprised the thoughts of his wife didn’t bring with it a passel of guilt. “I can’t stay in the city. I mean, I want to be with you all weekend, but it would have to be here. I’m the only doctor for miles and if someone has an accident…” Holly stopped him before he could go any further. “I understand. I’ll just plan on coming to Gorge City after work on Friday. I’ll pack a bag, if that’s okay?” Letting out a huge sigh of relief, Joe smiled. “Thank you for understanding. And I would love for you to pack all your bags, but one will do, for now.”

***** “Okay, Mrs. Warner. I’ll give Annie your congratulations and see you again in two weeks.” Joe shut the door after his final patient of the day. His patients still asked about Annie, or Bel, as the rest of the town called her. They were ecstatic when he told them Annie was going to join him several days a week as his nurse. He locked the door quickly and went to the supply room. Opening a box, Joe pulled out several tubes of lube and a big handful of condoms. The best thing about being a doctor was that no one could see him buy the stuff. The town might just have a fit if they knew good old Doc wanted to fuck someone thirty years younger in the ass. 17

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Pulling off his white coat, Joe tossed it in the hamper and carried the lube and condoms to the front of the house. He put some of his supplies in the end table drawer and headed for the kitchen. Tapping his chin with his finger, he tried to imagine where in the kitchen he’d like to take Holly. The images that came to him inflated his cock at lightning speed. He brushed his hand over his khaki slacks. “Down, boy. You’ll have to get through dinner first.” Joe walked over to the silverware drawer and slipped more supplies in there. Chuckling to himself, he started unbuttoning his shirt as he walked up the stairs to his bedroom. Dropping the remaining condoms into the bedside drawer, he looked at the well-used tube of lube. When Holly had stayed with him a few months back, he’d given her the guestroom down on the main floor. Too much temptation was not a good thing. Though that didn’t stop him from thinking about her all night long. His fifty-six-year-old cock had gotten quite a workout for those couple of weeks. After showering, Joe was proud of himself for resisting the temptation his erection had teased him with. When he came, Joe intended to be deep inside Holly. He’d made reservations at the little country club on the edge of town, and knowing they had a pretty strict dress code, Joe took his black suit out of the closet. Taking it out of the garment bag, he held the suit up, inspecting it for dust or moth holes. He realized he hadn’t worn it since Nora’s funeral. A sudden pang of guilt washed over him. “You know I loved you, Nory. But I need this.” After getting his tie straight, Joe combed his thick black and silver hair once more and went downstairs to wait for Holly. He felt like sitting out on the porch, but he didn’t want to answer the neighbors’ questions as to why he was so dressed up. Opting for a cold beer and the evening paper, Joe sat at the kitchen table. He pretended to read, but his mind kept floating back to Holly. Joe shook his head. Whenever Holly came to mind, two things happened to his body. He immediately went hard, of course, but he also felt a tightening in his chest. It shamed him that these 18

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feelings were so new to him. He’d loved his wife. He had, dammit. So why were these feelings so different? When the doorbell rang, Joe’s heart skipped a beat. Damn, he felt nervous. Or was it excited? Shaking his head, he walked to the front door and took a deep breath before opening it. This is it, Joe. Opening the door, he was glad he’d taken the deep breath because he was unable to get the next one. Holly stood in front of him in one of the sexiest dresses he’d ever seen. No, scratch that. It was the sexiest dress he’d ever seen. A dark green jersey dress molded perfectly to her well-toned, curvy body. The dress had long sleeves and a high neckline, but a large keyhole had been cut out in front, giving Joe a very generous view of her breasts. He could tell by the expanse of skin showing that she wasn’t wearing a bra and that fueled his desire even more. When he could finally breathe again, Joe reached out and pulled her into the house. Shutting the door, he covered her mouth with his own. Holly readily parted her lips and he delved inside. Running his hands down her back, Joe’s hands landed on her butt. He pulled her closer as the kiss deepened. There was no doubt she was aware of the erection she’d caused when Holly began rubbing back and forth against it. Joe felt like he was about to come in his pants like a damn fifteen-year-old. He broke the kiss and looked into her eyes. “Hi.” Smiling, Holly batted her long black lashes at him. “Hi.” She ran her hands up under his suit jacket to caress his butt. Groaning, Joe pulled back. “If we don’t leave now, we’ll never get to dinner, and I promised myself I would be a gentleman for the first half of our date.” He winked at Holly. “Take advantage of the offer, because I think around you, being a gentleman will be almost impossible to do for long,” he said.

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Holly surprised him by squeezing his butt. “I just hope I don’t leave a wet spot on the chair at the country club.” She batted her lashes again and put her hand to her mouth. “What would people think,” she said in a teasing voice. Joe’s eyes rolled back into his head as he groaned. “Maybe I can get us a booth in the back. They’re pretty private and since most people go to the club to be seen, they’re usually available.” Running her hand around his hip, Holly cupped his sac and ran her fingers up the length of his cock. With his cock trying its best to escape, it looked like he should have chosen something besides his silk boxers to wear. They felt as sexy as hell against his skin, but did little in the way of restraining his cock. Joe seized her hand. “You’re afraid of wet spots on the chair but if you don’t behave, I’ll have one on the front of my pants.” “I’d love that I caused it. You’re bigger than any man I’ve ever been with and I like the way you feel,” she winked, “even in your clothes.” Groaning again, Joe pulled back and inspected his pants. His heavy thick cock was definitely evident, even with his suit jacket on. He rolled his eyes at Holly and smacked her butt. “Behave, or you’ll get me kicked out of the club for indecent exposure before we ever get seated.” Giggling, Holly let Joe lead her to his car. He opened her door and held her hand as she sat on the soft leather seat. Joe bent down and gave her a quick kiss before shutting the door and going around getting behind the wheel. Starting the engine, he pulled out of the drive. Joe couldn’t remember a time he’d felt so young and alive. The fact that he could finally be himself and openly talk about his desires was a totally new experience. He reached across the low center console and took Holly’s hand as they drove to the club. Lifting it, he kissed her palm. “I’m not a romantic type of man by nature, but with you I damn sure want to try to correct that. I want to drown you in champagne and

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flowers. I don’t know what I’ve ever done in my long life to deserve you, Holly Mills.” He kissed her palm again and brought it down to rest on his thigh. Holly leaned across the console and kissed his neck as she stroked the length of his erection through his slacks. “It’s because of everything you’ve done in your long life that you deserve me, Joe Dunberg.” Joe sucked in a breath as Holly started unbuckling his belt. “I need to taste you. Find somewhere private and pull over for a couple of minutes.” Joe knew exactly how she felt. He could swear he was able to smell her cream mixed with her soft floral perfume. His mouth watered just thinking about it. He checked the traffic in the rearview mirror before turning the corner. Thankful that the sun had already set, he parked in the parking lot behind the old high school football field. He pulled the car into the shadows and turned off the engine. Holly already had his slacks unzipped and was desperately trying to get his long, hard erection out of his pants. Joe reached in and lifted his ass enough off the seat to loosen the constriction around his cock. Pushing his pants down to his thighs, they pulled his cock free at last. “Damn. I thought I was going to have to rip my pants.” He smiled as Holly immediately bent over his lap and took the crown of his cock into her mouth. Reaching beside him, Joe let the back of the seat down to give Holly more room to work him over. As she bobbed her head up and down his length, Joe slipped his hand into the keyhole of her dress. He fondled the firm breasts, paying particular attention to the large distended nipples. He went from one to the other, squeezing and playing. He’d masturbated many nights just thinking about getting his hands on these breasts again. Nibbling her way up the sensitive vein running up the length of his cock, Holly massaged his balls. Joe thrust up toward her mouth, needing her warm heat. When Holly enveloped his cock once again, Joe pinched her nipples and began gently fucking his way in and out of her mouth.

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“Yes. Oh, angel.” Joe let loose a grunted curse and came down Holly’s throat. Holly licked him, making sure every drop of cum was cleaned from his skin. When she was finished, she helped him stuff himself back into his pants. Joe sat there for several long moments, filled with so much contentment he thought he might burst. He tilted his head to the side and grinned. “Wow.” They traveled the rest of the distance to the club holding hands and talking about Holly’s job at the marketing firm she worked for and Joe’s patients. Joe pulled the car up in front of the country club. A valet was there immediately to assist him. Going around the car, Joe opened Holly’s door and helped her out. As he put his hand on the small of her back to walk her inside, he couldn’t help but to notice the way the young valet was staring at Holly’s body. Joe stopped and looked at the kid. “Keep your eyes to yourself or you’ll be sorely disappointed in your tip, Jason.” The boy nodded his head and climbed into Joe’s car. That was the only problem with being the only doctor in town. He knew and was known by everyone. He was sure Jason and everyone else who spotted them would have the news spread around town in no time. Opening the door to the restaurant, Joe spoke quietly to the hostess, Lorna. When he turned back to Holly he held out his hand. “They’ve got a booth in the back for us, angel.”

Holly joined him and he rested his hand low on her back. She hadn’t missed the look Lorna had given her before turning toward the tables. Holly had gone to school with Lorna, but Holly was too poor to be in with Lorna’s group of friends. It had hurt like hell at the time, but she’d been lucky enough to befriend Annabel. Together, they had weathered the cruelty of high school gossip together. Holly could feel eyes on her as Joe’s hand slipped lower to rest on her butt. She could tell by the looks on their faces that they didn’t approve of Joe being with her. She

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wondered if it was the age difference or the fact that, as far as this town was concerned, she was still poor white trash. She imagined the fact that he hadn’t been out with a woman since his wife’s death over ten years ago had something to do with the stares, but she didn’t care. Tonight she felt like a princess. Joe made her feel so protected and cherished, Holly knew she’d never tire of him or the feelings he elicited in her. She just desperately hoped Joe’s position in the community didn’t suffer because of her. Lorna showed them to a table in the back corner, well shielded from prying eyes by a variety of flowers and plants. Holly saw Joe slip Lorna some money as Holly slid into the booth. Lorna left and Joe scooted in next to her in the curved booth. A tuxedo-clad waiter came to their table almost immediately. Joe ordered a bottle of red wine after Holly nodded her approval. Once the waiter left, Joe slipped his arm around Holly and pulled her in for a kiss. Joe put his palm to Holly’s cheek and took the kiss deeper. They were interrupted by the sound of a cork sliding out of a bottle. Jeff, as Joe had called him, poured a small amount in Joe’s glass. Joe tasted the wine and nodded his okay. Jeff poured the wine and asked if they were ready to order. Holly and Joe both chose the filet and baked potato with a garden salad. When they were once again alone, Joe put his hand on Holly’s bare thigh. The short dress became even shorter when she sat and presently it barely covered her naked pussy. Holly stiffened and looked around. She wouldn’t lie to herself, she enjoyed the fact she could get Joe so hot he didn’t seem to care where they were, but again she worried about his reputation. Joe stilled his hand and looked into her eyes. “What’s wrong?” Biting her lip, Holly shrugged. “Are you sure you want this, Joe? I’m not very well liked in this town. They look at me and all they see is white trash. The last thing I want is to hurt your practice or your reputation.” 23

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Joe cupped her cheek with his empty hand. “You have never been white trash, Holly. You’ve always been a happy, loving person, despite your upbringing. I’m here with you because I’m proud you want to be with me. You make me feel like a king. And as far as my practice goes, let the people go to Colorado Springs if they want. I’m too old and happy just being with you to care.” Joe moved his hand up farther on her thigh. “Now, let’s forget about everyone else and enjoy being with each other.” Nodding, she picked up her wineglass and took a sip as Joe’s hand wandered toward her pussy. Holly grinned to herself. What would Joe say if he knew she’d purposely left her panties at home? She glanced around the restaurant, trying to look and sound casual. “I haven’t been here for ages, but you know everyone’s name, so I take it you must come here a lot.” Running his hand farther up her thigh, Joe smiled. “Not really. I come in a couple times a year with Brody, but most of the people in this restaurant are patients of mine.” Jeff approached and Joe waited until their waiter set the salads down and left before continuing. “Most of the time I like that everyone in town knows me, but at times like this, I wish I were a stranger to the rest of the people in the room.” “Why is that?” Holly reciprocated and began rubbing circles on Joe’s upper thigh over the ridge of his erection as she ate her salad with the other hand. Sliding his hand just under her tight dress, Joe neared the apex of her thighs. “Because then I could slide my fingers in your sweet pussy without worrying so much that other people might see. And before you say anything, it’s you I’m thinking of.” He brushed her pussy with his fingers. Holly had to smile when she saw the look on his face when he realized she was bare. “Is there a problem?” Joe put down his salad fork and took a gulp of wine. “No problem. Although I don’t know how I’m going to choke down my dinner when what I really want to eat is under the table.” He brushed her smooth pussy again. 24

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God, his hand felt fantastic. The image of him under the table, lapping her cream, sent her pussy into overdrive. “When did you wax?” Joe asked as he ran his finger up her totally nude pussy lips. When he got to the top, he pushed in between and rubbed her swollen clit. Holly automatically spread her thighs wider and rested her head on his shoulder. Damn, she wanted to shove back the table and straddle his lap. She found the further she and Joe went, the less she cared about the people around them. Joe had evidently given up on getting an answer to his question, because instead of easing off, he added more pressure to her clit by giving it a slight pinch. She let loose a tidal wave of cream. She looked into Joe’s eyes. He smiled and stuck the tip of his tongue out, waving it at her. Moving down, he thrust two fingers deep inside her channel. Holly couldn’t help herself and let loose a fairly loud moan. Laughing, Joe kissed her nose. “Shhh. If you’re not quiet, everyone will be ordering what I’ve got.” He continued to push in and out of her pussy with his fingers. “Only you.” Holly pushed her pussy against his hand just as the waiter came with their dinner. The young man looked at their barely touched salads. “Is there a problem with your salads?” Joe kept his fingers buried in Holly’s pussy as he shook his head. “No problem, Jeff. We just got a little distracted. You can take them, though, and would you mind putting our dinners in a to-go box? We’re suddenly not very hungry.” Jeff looked at Joe and smiled knowingly. “Sure thing, Dr. Dunberg.” He took the plates away and disappeared into the kitchen. Turning to Holly, Joe moved his fingers. “You don’t mind, do you?” Holly looked at him and raised a brow. “Does it feel like I mind?”

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Joe chuckled and pulled his fingers out of Holly’s sopping-wet pussy. He looked her in the eyes and put his fingers in his mouth. “Mmm. Far better than dinner.” He retrieved his wallet from his inside suit pocket and laid his credit card on the table. “I think steak sounds good for a late-night snack. You, I plan on making a meal of.”

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Chapter Three Driving home, Holly suddenly stiffened in her seat. “There’s that guy again.” She pointed toward the minimart. “You know, that guy who was peeking in my window when I stayed with you?” Joe slowed the car. He turned to look at the guy Holly was talking about. “Where is he?” He remembered very well the sleepless nights the prowler had caused Holly. Annie had told him it was the main reason Holly hotfooted it back to Colorado Springs as soon as they learned Gerald had been killed. Holly looked out the rear side window. “He’s gone now. But this is the third time I’ve seen him since that night. Weird,” she said, giving an exaggerated all-over body shiver. Joe looked in his rearview mirror. “It sounds more than weird to me. Where else have you seen him?” Holly turned back to face the front. “I saw him once when I was coming out of work and once at the little grocery store where I shop. I left my groceries in the cart and went home, had to eat peanut butter sandwiches for two days before I could bring myself to go back there.” Holly turned to look at him. “This makes the third time. And every time there’s something about him that sends prickles up my spine. Why would he still be hanging around? I thought he was in cahoots with Gerald. With Gerald being dead, you’d think he’d move on.” Clenching his teeth, Joe pulled into his driveway and pulled his car in the garage. “Sounds to me as if you have a stalker. And I can tell you right now, if I ever catch up with the fucker, he won’t be bothering anyone else for a long time.”

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Turning off the car, Joe got out and went around to open Holly’s door. Holly reached around and pulled the bag of dinner out of the backseat. Just like that, his mood had gone from amorous to pissed. He felt his chest tighten at the thought of anyone following his woman. What if the guy did more than follow her? What if he was watching her sleep at night? No matter what, he felt in his bones it wasn’t a coincidence that this pervert kept showing up. Walking into the house, Joe headed straight for the kitchen phone. He pulled Holly against his chest as he waited for Callum to pick up. “Hello.” “Hey, Callum. I’ve got a problem I’d like you to check into.” “Hi, Joe. What’s up?” Running his hand down and over Holly’s ass, Joe continued. “Remember that guy who was peeking at Holly through the window the day Gerald attacked Annie?” “Yeah,” Callum said, his voice dropping. Joe knew Callum was remembering back to that horrible day. “Well, Holly saw him tonight in town. She said that’s the third time she’s seen him since he was watching her through the window. She’s spotted him once outside her work and once at the grocery store she goes to. With seeing him here in Gorge City tonight, I think it’s a little too coincidental.” Joe kissed Holly’s forehead as she wrapped her arms around him. “I agree with you. I’ll call in to the station and see if I can get one of the deputies to find him. As much racket as he made when he was in our jail, I’m sure all the guys will still remember him.” Joe breathed a sigh of relief. Callum’s deputies were good. Now he just had to try his best to keep Holly safe until the sicko was back in police custody. “Thanks. I’d talk some more, but I’ve got a few more things to take care of,” Joe said, looking down at the woman in his arms.

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“If Holly’s finally with you, I’d say you do. Give her our love. I’ll call if I find out anything.” “Talk to you later,” Joe said and hung up. “I won’t take chances with you, angel.” He wrapped both arms around Holly and covered her lips with his own. He held her and whispered soothing words, until her body tension eased. Holly kissed his neck. “I won’t let him ruin our date,” she said. He reached between them and ran his fingertip around the cutout keyhole in Holly’s dress. “You’re quickly becoming more precious to me than anything else.” The statement shocked him, but he knew it was true. He was falling for this woman. He didn’t know when it had happened, but it scared the shit out of him. Would he be enough for her? God, he hoped so, because he felt really alive for the first time in a long time. Running her hands up his muscled chest, Holly slipped the jacket off his shoulders. She loosened his tie as she kissed him again. Joe reached behind her and unbuttoned the single button at her neck. Stepping back, Joe gathered the bottom of her dress and pulled it over Holly’s head. When Holly was completely naked, Joe groaned and cupped her heavy breasts in his hands. He feathered his thumbs over her distended tawny nipples and kissed her again. Holly quickly rid Joe of his shirt and went to work on his slacks. “Off. Off.” She fumbled with his belt and Joe covered her hands with his own. “I’ll get it.” With expert ease, Joe was out of his shoes and pants in no time. Holly gave a final jerk to his silk boxers and his long, heavy cock sprang free. Sinking to her knees, Holly licked up the length of his engorged cock. Joe moaned and ran his fingers through her long hair. “Yes.” Opening her mouth, Holly took the head of his cock as far as she could and sucked.

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Joe felt his balls draw up and pulled out of her mouth. “I need to be inside you. Now.” Helping her up, Joe carried her to the kitchen table. Then went back and retrieved the tube of lube and condoms from the drawer. He set them on the table beside Holly and smiled. “For later.” After delving in for another kiss, he ran his tongue and lips down the length of her body. He stopped to pay homage to Holly’s beautiful breasts before circling her bellybutton with his tongue. A soft moan from Holly helped bolster his confidence as he worked his way down to her swollen clit. Holly’s quick inhalation of breath, made him grin. It was amazing to be with such a responsive woman. Reaching his leg behind him, Joe hooked a kitchen chair with his foot. He pulled it up to the table and sat down. “Now this is my kind of dinner.” Joe scooted Holly to the edge of the table and guided her feet to rest against his shoulders. “What a view,” he said in awe. Damn, what had he ever done in his lifetime to deserve this second chance? Holly’s rosette caught and held his gaze. He was torn. As much as he wanted to sink his cock into Holly’s perfect pussy, he couldn’t get the thought of that pretty asshole out of his mind. He felt better knowing they both were interested in anal sex, but he couldn’t help feeling they would be making love out of order if he took her there first. Holly must’ve picked up on his indecision. “We have all night. Right now, I need you to let yourself go and just do what feels natural.” With new resolve, he leaned forward and licked a path from her tight puckered hole to her clit, stopping on the way to thrust his tongue inside her pussy. He reached for the lube and squirted some onto his fingers as he once again sucked her sensitive clit into his mouth.

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Moaning, Holly thrust her pussy against Joe’s face. “More.” She took her feet off Joe’s shoulders and hooked her arms under her own knees. Pulling her legs up against her chest, she presented herself fully. “Oh, angel.” Joe’s cock felt like it would explode at the sight of Holly’s pretty hole presented to him so nicely. He swirled his tongue around her rosette and nipped just enough to get her full attention. As he rubbed his lubed fingers across her back entrance, he fucked her creamy pussy with his tongue. Pushing a finger against the pucker, Joe was surprised when it seemed to slip in easily. He looked up at Holly. “When’s the last time you stretched yourself with your plug?” Holly smiled and winked. “All day while I was at the office. Didn’t you wonder why I was so wet when I got here?” Leaning his head against her bare pussy, Joe groaned. “The picture of that alone is enough to make me come.” Joe sat back up after delivering a swipe of his tongue to her clit. He watched her hole as he easily slid two and then three fingers inside. “Am I hurting you?” “God, no. I want you in me, Joe.” She beckoned him with her sultry green eyes. “Please.” Joe stood on shaky legs. He leaned over Holly and kissed her. Pulling back from her lips just far enough to speak, he smiled. “I’ve dreamed of doing this my entire adult life. Thank you for fulfilling my fantasy.” Joe sheathed himself and held the base of his cock as he positioned himself at her entrance. He’d seen this done in movies and read about it in books, but that wasn’t the same as doing it. “Tell me if I start to hurt you,” he said nervously. Would the reality be as good as the fantasy? Joe watched in awe as his cock slowly inched its way into Holly’s body. Her inner muscles began to squeeze his cock tighter than anything he’d ever felt. Looking into Holly’s eyes for any sign of discomfort, Joe pushed in an inch at a time to the root.

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Shivers running up his spine gave him the answer he’d sought. Yes, it was as good as his dreams, better in fact, much better. He had to stop and gather his wits about him or he was afraid it would be over before it started. Holly felt like silky waves of heat inside. Her muscles contracted around his cock whenever she moved the slightest bit. Damn, what would it feel like without a condom between them? When Joe pulled out several inches and pushed back in, he became lost in the moment. The next time he withdrew and pushed back in was a little harder and faster. Before long, Joe’s balls were slapping the edge of the table as his thrusts picked up speed. Holly moaned and rubbed her clit with one hand while she pulled at her nipples with the other. Joe prayed that Holly would come before he did. “Come for me, angel,” he practically begged. He didn’t want to come and leave this woman high and dry. He gritted his teeth and held his orgasm back until Holly’s back arched off the table. Her inner muscles clamped down on Joe so hard he thought he’d lose the use of his cock. His chest tightened as Holly’s body seemed to milk the cum from his balls. In the next second, Joe filled the condom with his heat. He collapsed on top of Holly. He’d just had the most intense orgasm of his life. He rubbed his face against her chest, licking at her breasts as his breathing returned to normal. Joe slipped out of Holly’s body and sat in the kitchen chair. He rested his sweaty head against her thigh. “Maybe I’m too old for this. I think I nearly had a heart attack.” He said it jokingly for Holly’s benefit, but Joe began to wonder if there wasn’t some truth in the statement. What if his heart couldn’t keep up with the desires his cock seemed to have? Holly sat up on the table and ran her fingers through his hair. “I’ll just have to buy you some better vitamins, because I plan on repeating that very thing several more times this weekend.”

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For the next thirteen hours, Joe made love to Holly in every conceivable position. Other than naps in between rounds, they got very little sleep. He’d never realized how much they had in common. They could lie in each other’s arms and talk for hours. He was ashamed to admit he’d been a little surprised they could communicate so well about everyday things. Joe had also been surprised his cock had actually managed to keep up with his mind. He felt darn proud of himself. It wasn’t every old man that could keep up with a beautiful woman Holly’s age. He hoped it was a sign of things to come and not just a one-night wonder. Joe and Holly were in the kitchen making a late breakfast when there was a knock on the back door. Joe gave Holly’s butt a playful smack as he went to answer it. He looked through the yellow curtain to see his son and his son’s new family. Joe looked over at Holly. “It’s Brody, Callum and Annie.” He unlocked and opened the door. “Hey, Dad. Thought we’d stop by while we were in town.” Brody sniffed the air. “Mmm, someone’s making bacon.” Brody wandered over to where Holly was putting the cooked bacon onto a plate. Brody smiled at Holly and lifted a piece of bacon. “Do you mind? Bel refused to make me breakfast this morning.” “You liar.” Bel slapped the back of Brody’s head. “You and Callum are the ones who couldn’t be bothered to get out of bed for breakfast.” Brody leaned down and kissed Bel. “Yeah, and you loved it, punkin.” Brody turned to Callum. “Didn’t she, Doodle?” Callum’s eyes shifted to Joe. “Heeelllo, Mr. Tell-our-business-to-everyone.” Callum pointed toward Joe. “Too much information with your dad in the room.” Holly laughed at the two men and set the bacon and scrambled eggs on the table. “There’s plenty. Grab a plate and sit down.” Callum and Bel took a seat. Joe pulled Holly down to sit beside him as Brody got plates out of the cabinet and forks out of the silverware drawer.

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“Uh, Dad?” Brody held up the tube of lube. “Mind telling me what you use lube for in the kitchen?” Joe turned red and looked at Holly. “Same thing you do, I imagine.” Joe spooned eggs onto his plate, unable to look at his son. “Oh that’s just… Oh God, I think I just lost my appetite.” Brody ruined the shocked statement by smiling. “Sit down and eat your breakfast, smartass.” Joe took several pieces of bacon and began eating. He looked up at Callum, who’d gotten up to fill three cups with coffee. “So, did your deputies find that guy?” “Yeah,” Callum answered, handing Bel and Brody their coffee before sitting back down. “They pulled him over at the edge of town. His name’s Adam James, by the way. He claims he was just in town visiting friends that he’d met through Gerald. The deputies asked him where he was living and he said he had a little studio apartment in Colorado Springs. He’s working at one of the garages there doing some bodywork.” Callum shrugged and took a drink of his coffee. “Sorry, Joe, but there’s nothing else we could do. He hasn’t done anything illegal since we pulled him in the last time. Even though it appears he’s been following Holly, he hasn’t approached her. Unfortunately our hands are tied.” Joe finished his eggs and bacon and pushed his plate away. “I still think it sounds too fishy.” Joe looked over at Holly. “I don’t know that I like the thought of you going home tomorrow.” He hated to give his feelings away to the rest of the people in the room, but dammit, he was falling hard and fast for this woman and her safety was his number one priority. He hoped Holly would forgive him. Holly put her hand over Joe’s, much to Brody’s amusement, it appeared. “I’ll be fine. My house is in a good neighborhood and I’ll keep the alarm on at all times. Besides, you and I know I’ll be back again next weekend.” Joe felt an ache in his chest. 34

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He knew it was too early in their relationship to start hovering, but the thought of Adam James… Joe didn’t care that his son sat just across the table. He leaned in and took Holly’s mouth in a deep kiss, thrusting his tongue in when Holly opened to him. “Daaad,” Brody whined like he’d done when he was a little boy. He stood and took his plate to the sink. After rinsing it off and sticking it in the dishwasher, he came back to the table and kissed Holly’s cheek. “Good breakfast…Mom.” As his son hurried toward the nearest exit, Joe shook his head. He’d been worried about how Brody would take the fact that his old dad was dating again. From the jokes and smiles, it appeared Brody was fine with it. At least outwardly so, but what would happen when Joe told his son that he was starting to fall in love with a woman that wasn’t his mother? Would Brody feel like Joe was betraying the memory of his dead wife? Brody opened the kitchen door and beckoned to Bel and Callum. “Come on, guys. Let’s leave these two lovebirds alone.” Bel rolled her eyes and shook her head. She walked over and gave Joe a kiss on the cheek. “I’m happy for you two.” “Thank you, Annie.” Joe watched as Bel gave Holly a hug. The threesome left and the house was suddenly quiet. Joe looked over at Holly. “Sorry about that. Lord knows I’ve never been able to teach that boy of mine to keep his mouth shut.” Joe stood and started clearing the table. “You cooked, so I’ll get the dishes.” After rinsing the plates and silverware, he put them in the dishwasher. Running soapy hot water into the sink, Joe drained the bacon grease into a can. At Holly’s raised eyebrows, Joe shrugged. “Don’t tell my doctor, but I like to put a little bacon grease in my green beans.” Holly stood and wrapped her arms around him from the back. “So, what would you like to do today?” she asked. 35

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Joe felt his cock perk up as she ran her hands under his t-shirt to his chest. Circling his nipples with those soft fingertips, he moaned. Holly squeezed his pebbled nubs and Joe’s cock hardened almost to the point of pain. Who knew his nipples were so sensitive? “You like that?” Holly asked. Trying to get his body under control, Joe rinsed the skillet and put it on a towel to drain. He dried his hands and turned around. “I like everything you do,” he said as he rubbed his knuckles against Holly’s breasts. “I like the way you look at me. The way you talk to me and, most of all, the way you touch me.” Joe finished his sentence by slipping his hands under Holly’s short tshirt. Holly’s nipples peaked when he ran his palm over them. He knew he was turning into the proverbial horn dog, but with a woman like Holly, how could he not? “I just don’t want you to think that sex is all there is between us. Because it’s so much more to me.” He pinched her nipples again. “Mmm.” She leaned into Joe and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Let’s go on a picnic. I’m sure we can find a secluded spot out on Brody’s land.” Holly played with Joe’s hair as she kissed her way down the side of his face to his neck. Tilting his head to the side to give Holly’s questing lips more room to explore, he rubbed his hard cock against her. “You and me naked in the afternoon sunlight? Sounds like a damn good plan to me.” He pinched her nipples again. “But first, why don’t we have a little after-breakfast exercise?”

***** It had been a beautiful day for a picnic. As they drove home that evening, Holly closed her eyes. She wasn’t sleepy in the least, but she wanted to imprint the memory of this day in her mind forever. Joe had insisted on packing the picnic basket himself. Holly was surprised when he opened the basket to nothing but finger food. Joe told her he wanted to feed her lunch,

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so he brought only foods that could be slipped into her mouth with his fingers. He laid Holly down on the big blanket and one by one fed her grapes and little chunks of cheese, kissing her between every bite. It was like something out of a romance novel. After lunch, they dared a dip in the cold mountain stream that ran through Brody’s land. When Joe saw her teeth chattering, he’d insisted they get out and dry off. “I won’t take a chance on you getting sick, angel,” he’d told her. Holly wrapped herself in his arms. She’d never felt special to anyone before. Joe was every man she’d ever dreamed of rolled into one hot package. She loved him more than she ever thought possible. He’d taken her back to the picnic blanket and had proceeded to make the sweetest love to her. Afterward, Joe had gathered daisies and made her a queen’s crown. They took a long nap wrapped in each other’s arms until the sun began to fade. “Better get you home.” Joe had packed up the car by himself, not allowing Holly to lift a finger. “I’ll get it. You’re my queen and I intend to treat you as one.” Now, as Holly rode beside him, she smiled to herself as she held Joe’s hand. He was definitely a king. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d ever deserve a man like Joe. The fact that he appeared to feel the same way about her was mind-blowing, but she decided to take every morsel of kindness and love and store it to feed her soul for the rest of her life. Surely this wonderful man would eventually come to his senses and realize she wasn’t good enough. Shaking the negative thoughts away, Holly gripped Joe’s hand tighter. For now she’d live in the moment, content with what Joe had time to give her.

***** Sunday evening came all too soon for Joe. Holly curled her still-naked body around him. “I wish I didn’t have to work tomorrow,” Holly said as Joe lazily stroked the soft skin at the base of her spine.

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Running his hands up and down Holly’s back and ass, Joe had to agree. “So don’t go. Take a vacation.” He vocalized what had been on his mind all day. Now that he’d been intimate with Holly, he didn’t want to think about being without her, even for a few days. “I can’t and you know it. I already used my vacation when I stayed with you before. Too bad we wasted it.” Holly looked at Joe and winked. “It was a nice way of getting to know you even better though.” Brushing his nose against hers, he smiled. “When you first came, I have to admit to being rather smitten with you already. But to be honest, by the time you left, I knew I was beginning to develop deep feelings for you. Those feelings have only grown deeper for me this weekend.” Joe kissed her. “I had a hard time with it before. I feel things for you that I never felt with Nora. Don’t get me wrong. I loved my wife to pieces, but we were both so young when we got married. Sometimes it felt like we were brother and sister rather than husband and wife.” Did that make him sound like an ass? Joe decided maybe it would be better to clarify what he’d said. He traced his fingertip down her neck to circle around her pouting nipples. “We loved each other, but there was very little passion between us. We tried several times to reignite that part of our lives, but it just never worked that way between us. When we were in high school, neither of us really knew what we were doing, we just kinda fumbled around in the dark. When Nora became pregnant, it was only natural that I’d marry her. I did love her.” Joe took a deep breath and let it out. There, it was all out on the table. If Holly thought him a disgusting pig, he knew she’d say so, that was Holly’s way.

Holly cupped Joe’s cheek. She couldn’t stand the look in his eyes. Holly had always known he’d loved his wife. It was in the way he spoke to her, the way he looked at her. Maybe they hadn’t had the most passionate marriage, but it had still been a good one. 38

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The way he stiffened after his confession gave her the impression that Joe was afraid of how she’d react to the news. In truth, she would’ve been more upset had he told her he hadn’t loved his wife. Growing up, Joe’s was the only loving marriage she’d witnessed firsthand. To this day, she clung to that. It taught her to never accept an imitation of the real thing. Now it was her turn. She knew she needed to put Joe’s mind at ease, and open herself like she’d never done before. “Do you remember when I was fourteen and Momma’s boyfriend Early Hughes messed me up?” she asked him. Joe pulled Holly even closer and kissed her forehead. He feathered his lips over the faint scar she still carried, doing a lot, even now, to help her erase the memory of that night. “I remember. At the time, I’d never seen anything like it when your mom brought you in. I remember fighting with her to call the police. I finally took the responsibility out of her hands and called them.” Joe caressed her face, kissing her nose and neck. Holly closed her eyes. Yes, even when she’d been fourteen, Joe had protected her. “What brought all this up?” Joe asked. “When you were out of the room dealing with the police, Nora sat with me. I remember her cradling me in her arms as I cried. I told her I hated men.” Holly hadn’t realized she’d started crying until Joe kissed the tears from her cheeks. The simple, tender gesture made her want to cry even more. “Nora told me that not all men were like Early and Momma’s other friends. She said if I was very lucky, someday I would fall in love with a man like Dr. Joe. From that day on, I compared every man to you. You were the standard I measured them by and I refused to accept less.” Joe seemed shocked by her statement. “I never knew.”

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Holly dried her eyes and pulled Joe’s head down for a kiss. She tried to put every ounce of love that she felt into it. Knowing that no matter what she did, it would never be enough to convey her feelings. “I love you, Joe Dunberg. I always have, and I always will.” Joe’s tongue dueled with hers for several long minutes. She suddenly felt him stiffen and pull away. “Holly? Could your feelings for me be a manifestation of what you think the perfect man should be? ‘Cuz I gotta tell you, angel. I’m far from perfect. The perfect man wouldn’t have taken your ass six times this weekend.” “Actually you’re wrong on that one. My perfect man would have taken my ass six times this weekend. And did.” Holly sobered and snuggled her face against his. Even after exploring every bump and crevice on each other’s bodies, could Joe still feel unsure that they were meant to be together? “In the beginning, I think maybe that’s what it was. That’s probably why I had such a crush on Brody for years. You were unavailable and Brody was the next best thing to you. But I’m a woman now and I know what I feel. You’re a good man, but even better than that, you’re a great man for me.” And she’d meant every word. Joe turned his head just enough to capture Holly’s lips in a passionate kiss. “I don’t know that I want to be away from you for five whole days. How about if I make a trip up, and we can have dinner on Wednesday? Of course, it goes without saying that those plans could change. Life with a doctor isn’t all it’s cracked up to be sometimes.” Jumping up and down on the inside, Holly nipped his chin with her teeth, soothing the small bite with her tongue. “I don’t care when you can come up, as long as you do. We’ll stay in and I’ll cook something.” Holly ran her hand over his naked butt. “Food is very overrated. Maybe we can skip dinner and get right to dessert.” Rubbing his erection against her pussy, Joe reached over, withdrew a condom from the drawer and quickly sheathed himself. “I like dessert.” Without preamble, Joe separated her thighs and thrust his cock deep inside her channel. He set a fast pounding pace of charge and retreat. 40

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Holly reached down and began fingering her clit. She saw Joe’s gaze slip down her body to focus on her ministrations. He’d said several times how much it excited him to see her do this, and from the look on his face, she was giving him a hell of a show. “Oh,” Holly squealed at the top of her lungs as she felt herself slipping over the edge into bliss. When Joe inserted a finger into her puckered hole, another orgasm racked her body. After two more penetrating thrusts, Joe howled to the ceiling, filling the condom with his seed. Her lover collapsed on top of her and buried his face in her neck. Holly smiled. She felt complete. For the first time in her life, she was totally sated, both sexually and emotionally.

***** When Holly left the office on Tuesday evening, she noticed that there were very few cars still in the parking lot. Man, I must have worked later than I thought. She made her way to her car. Fumbling to get her key in the lock, Holly heard a noise behind her. She spun around and came face-to-face with the Adam James. Shit, shit, shit. She felt sweat bead up on her forehead. Oh God, what did he want? What would he do to her? He just stood there looking at her. Holly came back to herself and put the key in the car door. She knew if she had any chance of escape, it would be while Adam was still calm. “Wait, don’t go yet. I’ve been wanting to talk to you,” Adam said. Not likely. Holly got the car door open and herself inside. As she was closing the door, the man grabbed it. She tried again to pull the door shut, but Adam was a hell of a lot stronger than she was. Holly watched in horror as Adam’s face began to change into a mask of rage. “Hey, what’s wrong with you? You one of those stuck-up sluts who think they’re too good to talk to a guy like me?” Adam said, spittle flying from his mouth.

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He opened the door farther and leaned down so he was eye level. She felt bile begin to rise in her throat as she looked into the eyes of a madman. Holly leaned on her horn, hoping to get someone’s attention. All Holly could think about was the night Gerald had stabbed Bel in the parking lot of the hospital. Adam reared back and punched her in the side of the face. The blow sent her sideways, knocking her hands off the wheel. “Dammit. I was just trying to talk to you. Why’d you have to go and piss me off?” Adam’s head spun around as she heard running feet. He looked back to Holly. “This isn’t over by a long shot, slut.” He took off running and jumped into his car. Holly took note of the color and make of the car as he sped away. Larry, another marketing department employee, ran up to the car. He knelt beside her and put his hand on her arm. He looked toward the disappearing car. “Let me call the police.” As Larry spoke to the 911 dispatcher, Holly ran her hand over her sore cheek and came away with a smear of blood. “They’re on their way,” Larry said and snapped the phone shut. “You okay?” Holly shook her head. “I’m fine now. Just a little shaky.” Larry took a handkerchief out of his back pocket and handed it to Holly. Holding it against her face, she leaned her head back. “Did you know that guy?” Larry asked. “I don’t know him, but I know who he is. He was seen looking in the bedroom window of the house I was staying. I’ve seen him a couple times since then, but he’s never approached me before.” As the shock of the situation started to wear off, Holly started to shake. “Oh God, Larry. I’m so glad you were here.” “Me too, kid.” Larry stood when a police cruiser entered the parking lot. The police asked her questions and took digital pictures of the scene. Holly went over her story in detail three times before they wrapped up their on-scene investigation.

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“Do you need me to take you somewhere?” Larry asked. Holly shook her head. “I’ll call Mr. Diamond in the morning and tell him that I won’t be in the rest of the week. I can’t stay in this city until I know that guy is either caught or has moved on.” Holly dried her eyes and dabbed her cheek. She’d refused medical help. If she needed anything, she knew Joe would take care of her. “Thanks again for coming to my rescue. Right now, I just need to get out of here.” Larry stood and looked down at Holly. “All right. If you’re sure you’re okay?” “I’ll be fine as soon as I get to Gorge City.” Holly nodded and Larry shut her car door. Holly was thankful she had Callum to refer the police to. He’d be able to give them a lot more information than she could. She’d told the police that his name was Adam James and he’d been arrested before for peeping in her window in Gorge City, but that was all she really knew. The policeman told her he would contact Callum to get more information on the guy. Holly pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the one place she wanted to be. Safe in Joe Dunberg’s arms.

***** Heating up leftovers, Joe was interrupted by the phone. He turned away from the microwave and answered it. “Hello.” “Hey, Joe, it’s Callum. I wanted to let you know I just received a call from the Colorado Springs Police Department. It seems our peeping Tom, Adam James, assaulted Holly in the parking lot where she works.” “What!” Joe’s heart stuttered in his chest. “Where is she? Is she okay?” Joe ran into the living room to get his keys. The image of Holly taking on a man of Adam’s size turned his blood to ice. What would he do if he lost her? No, he couldn’t lose her. Not to a man like Adam James. If he’d had any questions of the depth of his feelings for Holly they’d just been answered.

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“Relax. According to the police, she was on her way to Gorge City when she left. She should be pulling into your drive within twenty minutes. The sergeant I talked to said Holly was fine other than a small cut on her cheek where the bastard hit her. Seems a guy she works with scared Adam off.” Callum said it like the injury was no big deal, but to Joe it was. He couldn’t blame Callum. After all, Annie had far worse things happen to her at the hands of her father, but this was his woman. Callum paused and sighed. “But, Joe? He promised her that he wasn’t finished yet. I thought you should know. I’ll have the deputies make regular patrols around your house until we can pull this guy in. Since he’s finally approached her, we can try to arrest him for stalking.” Not finished yet? The words came with a sense of déjà vu. Those were almost the exact words Gerald had used before trying to kill Annie a third time. Well, he wouldn’t give the bastard the chance. He’d take Holly away if he needed to. Running his hand through his hair, Joe let out an audible breath. “Thanks, Callum. Call me if you hear anything more.” “Will do. Take care of her.” Until my last breath. “You can bet on it.” Joe hung up and went out to the front to wait for Holly. He paced around the porch, thinking about all the things he’d yet to experience with the woman he’d finally admitted to himself that he loved. It seemed like hours before he finally spotted Holly’s red car coming down the street. Some of the tension drained away just knowing Holly was finally where she belonged. Joe ran down the steps and waited beside the driveway as she pulled in and turned off the ignition. He could only make out her silhouette against the fading sun, but it was the prettiest silhouette he’d ever seen. His woman was alive. Joe opened the door and pulled Holly into his arms. He held her as she fisted her hands in his shirt and broke down. Joe pulled back and picked up Holly. Cradling her 44

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against his chest, he walked into the house. Sitting on the sofa, he thanked God once again that she was his. The tears that drenched his shirt broke his heart. “Shh. It’s okay. You’re here with me now. I’ll keep you safe.” Joe prayed he could do just that. The thought of anyone associated with Gerald getting that close to Holly made his blood boil. He never thought it was possible to find someone like Holly, a loving and caring woman who turned his sex life inside out. But he had found her and he’d be damned if he’d let anything happen to her. Pulling away from her, Joe looked at her cheek. “That needs to be cleaned, angel.” He stood and carried Holly to his exam room. He set her on the table and kissed her, putting all the love he had into it. He finally broke away, knowing he needed to treat his love before their passion burned out of control. Getting out some antiseptic wipes and a couple of butterfly bandages, Joe began to clean the dried blood from Holly’s cheek. “You okay?” Holly nodded. “Just scared. I don’t know what would have happened if Larry hadn’t come out of the building when he did.” Holly’s whole body shivered. Blowing on her cheek to soothe the sting of the wipe, Joe lifted her chin with his hand. “I’m sorry.” Damn, the word seemed so inadequate at a time like this. He leaned down and kissed her. “I don’t think you need any stitches. I’m just going to put a couple butterfly bandages on your cut. Looks like you’re working your way up to a pretty good bruise, though. I’ll get you an ice pack for the swelling.” Joe put two bandages on her cheek and kissed them both, just like an adult would kiss a child’s booboos. “There. All better now.” Holly rolled her eyes and swatted his arm. “I’m not a child, Joe.” Joe ran his hand over her breast. “No kiddin’.” After helping her off the exam table, they walked toward the kitchen arm in arm. “Have you eaten anything?” When Holly shook her head, Joe nodded. “Well, I was heating up some of the beef stew you made Sunday when Callum called. Care for a bowl?” 45

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“Sounds good,” Holly replied and jumped up to sit on the counter next to where he was working. “Is that how you knew about Adam? From Callum?” Getting down another bowl, Joe decided to just heat the whole pan of stew instead of putting both bowls into the microwave. He turned on the burner and walked back to Holly. “The Colorado Springs PD called the Gorge City Police Department. I guess they must have transferred the call to Callum.” Joe smoothed Holly’s hair behind her ears. “Callum’s gonna have his deputies patrol the neighborhood while you’re here. They’ll catch him.” Joe stretched sideways and stirred the stew. “I say we get some nice warm food in you and get you to bed.” “You do, do you? I can live with that plan.” She wrapped her hands behind his head and pulled him forward for a kiss. “Are you sure we can’t have stew in bed, Doctor? I’m feeling like I could use some TLC right now.” Joe stretched back over to the stove and turned off the burner. If Holly needed some cuddling, he was more than up to the task. Cupping Holly’s face, Joe looked into her eyes. He could’ve lost her in the blink of an eye. “I love you,” he whispered. Holly’s eyes closed as she leaned into his touch. “Take me upstairs,” she whispered back. Sliding his hands under her bare ass, he picked her up and started walking toward the stairs. The fact that he could feel her bare skin under his hands had him raising a brow. “You wear these sexy panties to work? I’m not sure I like the idea of that.” He entered the bedroom and released her. Holly slid down the front of his body. “Hush. I’ve worn thongs since they first hit the market. And you’re the only one who has access to my naked butt.” As he watched, Holly unbuttoned her white silk blouse and let it fall down her arms to land in a pool at her feet. Reaching around behind herself, she unzipped her navy skirt and stepped out of it when it hit the floor.

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Mouth dry, Joe looked at the vision before him. “Damn, you’re sexy.” He’d promised himself he’d hold Holly and nothing more. The last thing she needed was a man pouncing on her. Holly stood in only a pair of flesh-colored underwear and tiny demi-cup bra which did little to contain her bountiful breasts. From the wicked look in her eyes, he thought his advances might be a welcome diversion for Holly. Joe leaned over and pushed down one of the tiny cups enough to take one of the peaked nipples into his mouth. Holly began taking off his clothes as he suckled her sweet breast, each lick, each touch, meant even more to him now. When they were both naked, Joe pulled the covers down and he and Holly crawled inside. Covering her body with his own, Joe kissed her. “Stay with me.” Spreading her thighs, Joe settled between them. “I am staying with you. I don’t want to go back to Colorado Springs right now,” Holly said. Tracing her bruised cheek with his finger, he shook his head. He realized it was a start, but not nearly good enough. This woman was everything to him, and he knew to the bottom of his heart his love would only continue to grow. “I don’t mean stay awhile. I mean stay. Marry me, Holly.” Joe held his breath as he waited for her answer. Would she think he was moving too fast? “Are you sure, or is this an instinctive reaction to what happened earlier with Adam?” she asked. Joe shook his head. “It may have taken the thought of losing you to admit my feelings, but I can assure you they’re very real. We may be moving too fast for some folks, but it feels right to me.” Holly nodded her head. “Then I’d love to marry you.” Joe felt like pumping his arms into the air.

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Holly continued, “I still need to work, though. It’s not like I’ll have a family to stay home and take care of. What would a marketing professional do in Gorge City?” Joe covered her lips with his finger. “First things first. Did you just accept my proposal?” “Yes.” Swallowing around the newly formed lump in his throat, Joe rested his forehead against hers. “Give me a second. I can’t go all girly on you and start crying, so I need moment.” Joe thanked God that he was being given a second chance at life. He guessed Annie was right. You were never too old to love. Joe dried the few tears that had managed to escape his closed eyes and looked at Holly. “I love you. More than you’ll ever know.” Holly dried a tear he must have missed. “And I love you. With all my heart and soul.” This time when Joe entered Holly, it was gentle and loving. They moved together as one. It’s like we’ve been together for years. Joe couldn’t get close enough to her. He couldn’t kiss her enough. He was surprised at the degree of love being shared between the two of them without using a single word. His body slid in and out of Holly like it was home. As the kisses became deeper, Joe’s rhythm steadily increased. Reaching down between them, Holly began to rub her clit. Joe watched her face as he continued to pump in and out of her. “I love to watch you come.” Holly sucked in a sharp breath as her body tensed around his cock. Joe embedded his cock as deep as it would go and let his release come. He watched Holly’s face as a flush spread up her chest to cover her face. She looks like an angel. Joe shivered as his cock continued to empty into the condom he’d made sure to wear. As soon as possible, they needed to get blood samples sent off to the lab he used in Colorado Springs.

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Holly pulled Joe down on top of her. Joe shook his head and tried to move to the side. “I’m too heavy for you.” “No. You’re perfect for me. I want to feel the weight of your body. It makes me feel safe and loved.” Holly ran her hands up and down his sweaty back. “You are safe and loved, Holly. As long as I live, I’ll cherish you.”

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Chapter Four After his shower the next morning, Joe got ready for work. Getting on his usual khaki pants and sport shirt, with a spring in his step, Joe went downstairs to find Holly. He walked into the kitchen and found her at the stove stirring scrambled eggs in a skillet while talking on the phone. “I’m really sorry, Mr. Diamond, I just can’t.” She turned around and spotted Joe. “I know I’m leaving without notice, but surely Larry told you what happened yesterday.” When Joe walked up beside her, Holly held up a finger. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Mr. Diamond, but my mind’s made up. I’ll be in today to pick up my things.” Holly hung up the phone and set it on the counter. “Someone is not at all happy with me right now.” Joe wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck. “What did he say?” Joe couldn’t imagine an employer being unsympathetic in a situation like Holly’s. It sounded to him like Holly was well rid of the asshole. Holly picked up the spatula and started stirring the eggs again. “He’s angry because I was in the middle of updating all the marketing files. He said I was really leaving him in the lurch.” Holly turned off the burner and pushed the pan to the back of the stove. “He’s right. I’m the only one who knows what I was working on.” He started to tell Holly that Diamond could go fuck himself. The look on her face stopped him. He had to remember Holly’s comment the previous evening. She wanted to work. Maybe they could come up with a compromise. “So ask him if you can work from home. And by home, I mean Gorge City. Maybe the two of you could work something out where you only have to go into the office once a week or something. You can take over my study for an office. I have another one connected to the exam room, so I won’t get in your way.” 50

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Joe was starting to get excited by the thought of Holly both living with him and working in the same house. He turned Holly around in his arms and kissed her. “You can redecorate however you want. If you’re going to be spending time in there, I want you to be comfortable.” Holly hugged him tighter and laid her head against his chest. “It sounds like the perfect solution. But are you sure you don’t mind me taking over your study?” Running his hands down her back to her skirt covered ass, Joe squeezed. “Mind? Are you kidding me? We can have nooners all the time.” Joe lifted Holly’s chin and kissed her. Holly kissed him back and motioned toward the eggs. “Eat your breakfast before it gets cold. I’m going to run up and take a shower. And then I’m going to talk to Mr. Diamond.” Holly started to walk off, but Joe pulled her back in. “You can’t go by yourself, angel. I’ll call Brody. The two of you can stop by your house so you can change and pack your suitcases. As soon as Adam is caught, you can decide what you want to do with your house.” Holly leaned in and playfully bit his nipple. “Okay. You call Brody and I’ll take a quick shower.” She kissed his nose and went upstairs.

***** An hour later, Brody, Bel and Holly were on their way to Colorado Springs. Holly grabbed Bel’s hand. “Thanks for this, guys. I have to be honest and say I wasn’t looking forward to going back into Colorado Springs by myself.” Bel squeezed her hand. “Not a problem. I thought Brody and I could do some shopping while you’re meeting with your boss. It’s the reason we brought Callum’s truck instead of Brody’s SUV.” Bel looked over at her and smiled. “So things are working out well with Joe, huh?” Blushing, Holly smiled. “He asked me to marry him last night.” 51

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“What!” The truck swerved as Brody looked over at Holly with a shocked expression on his face. Brody looked back to the road and took a deep breath as Bel elbowed him in the ribs. Brody’s reaction to the news was just what she’d been worried about. It was one thing to know your father was dating someone half his age, but quite another to know he planned on marrying her. Did Brody think Joe was being disloyal to Nora? “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it to come out that way. I just didn’t think Dad would ever marry again. I mean, I’m happy for you both. It’s just that Dad’s been alone for so long.” Brody took a deep breath. “I’m making things worse for myself, aren’t I?” He glanced over at a nodding Bel. After his explanation, Holly felt better. Maybe it was shock and nothing more? She hoped so, because she didn’t want to come between father and son, but she’d fight anyone for the right to love Joe. Reaching over Bel, Holly put a hand on Brody’s arm. “It’s okay, Brody. I probably should’ve let Joe tell you. It was insensitive of me. But I can promise you that we love each other and I’ll take good care of him.” She’d thought of nothing else since Joe had proposed. Pampering her new husband would be a privilege, not a duty. “I know you will and I’m sorry again for the way I reacted. Callum and I’ve both known for a while that Dad was quite taken with you. It’s written all over his face whenever you walk into the room. I guess, knowing how old-fashioned Dad is, we should have expected him to ask you to marry him.” Holly giggled and put her hand over her mouth. Joe was anything but oldfashioned, at least in the bedroom. But Holly didn’t think she needed to share that particular information with his thirty-seven-year-old son. Holly decided to change the subject. “So tell me what you’re shopping for?” Bel gave Holly a devilish smile. “Oh, baby furniture and maternity clothes,” she said casually. Holly was shocked. “You’re pregnant?” 52

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At Bel’s nod, Holly squealed. “Oh God, I can’t wait for you to tell Joe. I’m so happy for you.” She hugged her best friend. “How far along are you?” “Not far. Only about three months. We all decided to keep it to ourselves until we were sure it was safe.” Bel rubbed her still-flat stomach as Brody caressed her thigh. “So you’ll be a grandma.” Bel looked over at Brody and winked. Never wanting children of her own wasn’t the same as not liking them. Spoiling them, now that was her idea of fun. “No, I won’t. I’ll be Mama Holly. I’m too young to be called grandma.” Holly laughed as she thought of herself in an apron and granny glasses. “But I’ll be the best-looking Mama Holly any child could have.”

***** When Holly finished her meeting with Mr. Diamond, she called Bel. “Hi, sweetie, I’m all done here for now.” “That’s great because we’re just heading that way. Wait until you see the furniture Brody bought. We should be there in about ten minutes.” “Okay. I’ll watch for you.” Holly hung up and slipped her phone back into her purse. She gave a sigh of relief that her life was working out so smoothly. Mr. Diamond had almost jumped at the chance for Holly to continue working from home. Especially when she’d told him she wanted to drop down to twenty-nine hours a week, thus eliminating her benefits. The company would save money and still get the work done. Holly would have less pressure on her shoulders and have more time to spend with Joe. It was a good compromise on both sides and she felt good about it. Getting out of the elevator carrying a large box of files and her laptop, Holly nodded to the security guard. “Hi, Pete.” Holly held up the box. “Just taking some files home with me.” The elderly man smiled and opened the front door for her. “Yes, Ms. Mills. Mr. Diamond already called down to tell me it was okay for you to take files out of the building.”

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Holly waved goodbye to Pete and sat the box down on the sidewalk. When she stood back up, Adam was only about two feet from her. Her hand immediately went to her cheek, remembering the last run-in she’d had with Adam and what he’d said before taking off. She turned around to run, but Adam grabbed a handful of her long hair. As she was pulled backward, she tripped over the box on the ground and fell. Smacking her head against the sidewalk, she was dimly aware of tires screeching to a halt and voices shouting around her. Holly saw Adam fleeing as her vision faded into darkness.

***** After meeting Holly, Brody and Annie at the hospital, Joe drove Holly back to her house. He hated staying in the city with Adam still on the loose, but the police had guaranteed him they would cruise by Holly’s house regularly. In a situation like this, his medical training kicked in. Holly’s health was foremost on his mind. “I thought it might be better to just get you into a bed where you can rest. The hospital said they’d release you as long as I could guarantee them you’d take it easy the rest of the day. We can make the drive back to Gorge City in the morning.” Joe pulled into the driveway of Holly’s small Cape Cod. Holly looked at her house through the windshield and then back to Joe. “What about your patients? What if something happens and someone needs you?” Leaning over the console, Joe kissed her. “Someone very special does need me. You’re my first priority. From now until the day I die.” He kissed her again and opened his car door. Unlocking the house, Holly looked around. Joe could see the worries assailing her. He kissed her neck and opened the door. “The police said they’d keep an officer in the area until we get you out of town in the morning. Let’s find something for dinner.” Joe followed Holly into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and bent over to look inside. “Not much, I’m afraid. I have a couple of steaks in the freezer I can thaw out.

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Other than that, it looks like cottage cheese and applesauce.” Holly looked up and caught him openly staring at her butt. She smiled and gave it a little wiggle. Joe groaned. “Damn, I love this ass.” He ran his hands up and down the twin globes. Slapping his hands away, Holly stood up. “And you can surely have this ass in a few minutes, but I’m starving.” Sighing, Joe gave Holly’s butt one last caress. “Very well. I shall feed you, my lady.” Joe opened the freezer and took out the steaks. As much as he tried, he couldn’t get that sweet ass off his mind. “Can I have it while the steaks thaw?” Holly rolled her eyes. “Just get the steaks in the microwave.” Holly reached up on top of the fridge and pulled a bottle of red wine out of the wine rack. She held it up for Joe to see. “Care for some wine?” Setting the microwave to defrost, Joe raised a brow. “I don’t think wine would be good for you right now. You had a pretty good knock to the head.” “Who said anything about me drinking it? I was thinking you’d enjoy it.” Joe chuckled, “Trying to get me drunk, Miss Mills?” “Mmm, maybe.” Holly pulled Joe’s head down and kissed him. Taking the bottle of wine from her hand, Joe set it on the cabinet. He backed Holly up against the butcher block island and lifted her up. “You sit tight while I fix dinner. We can discuss dessert later.”

***** Forty minutes later, Holly handed Joe a plate to dry. “So, did you talk to Brody much today?” Holly wanted to tell him he was going to be a grandpa so badly she couldn’t stand it. But she’d promised herself she’d let Brody or Bel tell him. Joe dried the plate and put it up in the cupboard. “Not really. After he called, I think I broke every law in Colorado getting to the hospital. After I got there, you were my main concern.” Joe looked at her suspiciously. “Why?” 55

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Holly handed him a wineglass. Thinking fast, she came up with the perfect excuse for him to call Brody. “Well, I kind of spilled the beans about us getting married. I’m sorry. I knew as soon as it came out of my mouth that you should have been the one to tell him. Bel asked me how we were getting along and it just popped out.” Holly bit her lip and looked up at him through her lashes. Setting the wineglass down, Joe pulled her into his embrace. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not sorry he knows we’re getting married. Hell, if he’s going to be my best man, I’d better go talk to him tomorrow.” Joe ran his fingers over her still-sore cheek and gave her a slow soft kiss. “I came close to losing you twice now. That’s two times too many. I feel like wrapping you in cotton wool and carrying you around in my pocket all day just to make sure you’re safe.” He kissed her again. Holly warmed at Joe’s words. He wasn’t like the few other men she’d dated. With most alphas, opening up and sharing thoughts and feelings was a foreign concept. Joe was different. He loved her and told her often. “What do you want to do this evening?” Joe asked. “Watch a movie and neck.” She flashed him a grin. “I just happen to have a TV and DVD player in my room. Lucky us.” She led him down the hall to her bedroom.

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Chapter Five Driving back to Gorge City the next morning, Joe put his hand on Holly’s thigh. “You okay?” “Right as rain.” Holly wiggled in her seat. “Although I have to admit to being a little sore this morning.” She leaned back in the seat and turned her head toward him. “But it’s the best kind of sore.” Joe’s hand began to roam Holly’s beautiful body as he tried his best to concentrate on the road. “When we get home, I’ve got some ointment I’ll enjoy applying.” He winked at her and squeezed her breast. He couldn’t help himself, he simply couldn’t get enough of this woman. “Damn, I am a horny devil around you.” Holly smiled and leaned her seat back even farther. She reached down and pulled her short t-shirt above her bare breasts and shimmied. Joe watched as her breasts swayed back and forth. The large nipples begging for his touch. He reached down and covered one of the firm mounds. He flattened his hand and used his palm to brush back and forth across the ridged areola. “Mmm. I could just eat you up.” Joe pinched her nipple. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll have us home.” Joe glanced at the digital clock on the dash. “I don’t have my first patient coming in for another thirty minutes so prepare yourself for a quick hard fuck in that pretty ass of yours.” There were times like this he wished he could just retire and spend the rest of his life in bed with Holly. Without missing a beat, Holly flipped her skirt up to her waist and put her feet on the dashboard. Joe’s hand gripped the steering wheel as he watched Holly spread her legs, opening herself to his eyes. With three fingers, she began delving into her wet pussy. Pulling her fingers out of her channel, Holly moved down farther and stuck one in her puckered hole. 57

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“Jesus Christ.” Joe slowed the car enough so he could safely keep one eye on her and one eye on the road. “What are you doing to me, angel?” Holly moaned as she inserted another finger. “You told me to prepare myself. I’m just following the doctor’s orders. And damn, does it feel good.” Joe’s mouth watered as he watched her juices drip down her ass to land on the leather seat. Oh fuck, he wanted a taste of her. Knowing he’d be lucky to last until they got home, he reached between her spread thighs and opened the glove box. Holly gave him a questioning look and he pulled out a condom. “I’ve hidden these damn things in about every nook and cranny I could think of.” Joe watched Holly as she inserted the third finger. He swung the car into the drive and hit the garage door opener. He pulled in and had the door closed in record time. Joe was unbuckled and out of the car in a flash. Opening Holly’s door, Joe lifted her out. He stood her beside the car and bent her over the hood, her stomach resting against the warm metal. Unzipping his pants, he tore open the condom packet and quickly sheathed his throbbing cock. Looking down at the tempting globes of Holly’s ass, he gathered cream from Holly’s dripping pussy and lubed her now-stretched hole. Leaning over to whisper in her ear, Joe put his aching cock to her hole. “Hard and fast, angel.” He thrust inside her and buried himself to the root. “Oh fuck.” He gave Holly a few moments to acclimate to his cock and then began a hard and fast rhythm in and out of her hot hole. “Yes.” Joe gripped her hips so tightly he knew she’d probably have a few bruises by the time they were done, but Holly didn’t seem to mind, in fact, at times like this, Holly seemed to get off on a down and dirty fuck. It was just one of the things they had in common. Making love was fantastic, but sometimes a person just wanted to fuck, and this was one of those times. Holly pushed back into Joe’s cock with a vengeance. “Harder.”

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Good at following directions, he gave her exactly what she’d asked for. The sound of smacking skin echoed loudly in the enclosed garage. “Oh Joe,” Holly wailed as her muscles contracted around his cock. He knew it was only a matter of seconds before he followed her in climax, so he wanted to make them count. Joe pounded his lover’s ass so hard, Holly’s feet left the floor as he buried himself inside her and came. Burst after burst of cum erupted from his cock and Joe wondered if it would ever stop. He came so much he began to worry the condom wouldn’t hold it all. Gripping the condom at its base, he slowly pulled his length out of Holly’s still-quivering body. Biting Holly’s back, Joe groaned. “Quick. Get me a bottle of vitamins. I think you drained me dry on that one.” He quickly tied off the condom and tossed it into the nearby garbage can. Giggling, Holly pushed him back and stood up. Reaching down, she took his still half-hard cock into her hand. “Doesn’t look like the poor devil is dry to me.” Pulling her to him, Joe kissed her. “I’ve got an hour for lunch later. Wanna test that theory out?” Holly grinned and pulled her skirt down. “I’d love to, but you need to go and talk to your son at lunch. As a matter of fact, why don’t you call him and take him out to lunch?” “You mean I have to wait all day to get back inside you?” Joe rubbed his cock against her lower stomach. “Believe me. As sore as I am, it’ll take a day of ointments just to heal me enough. You horny devil, you.” She must’ve seen the look of concern on his face. “Oh no, you don’t. I won’t have you feeling guilty because my ass is sore. What I will ask you to do is to rub some of the ointment on me later. Deal?”

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He inwardly groaned. How was he supposed to touch and look at Holly’s sweet ass and not want it again? “Deal,” he agreed. Holly reached down and pulled his pants up and fastened them. “I’d say you’d better go give yourself a quick rinse before you have to see your first patient.”

***** Joe walked into Benny’s Bar and Grill at just after noon. He spotted Brody at one of the back booths and made his way over. He was stopped several times by old friends and patients, but he eventually sat down. Most people would probably be nervous at the prospect of telling their children they were planning to marry, but not him. He knew he was doing the right thing, and by god, he’d weather any storm that came because of it. Gracie came over to take his drink order. “Just give me a glass of iced tea and whatever lunch special you’ve got.” “Sounds good, I’ll have the same,” Brody said and handed Gracie his menu. “So why did you want to have lunch, Dad?” Brody asked with a grin. Gracie came back with two glasses of tea. Joe thanked her and took his time putting some sugar substitute into it. “I’m marrying Holly. I know you already know that, but I don’t know how you feel about it.” Joe looked up at his son. Smiling, Brody leaned back in the booth and crossed his heavily muscled arms over his chest. “How I feel about it? Well, I guess I’m happy for you, Dad. I mean it’s a little weird for me. It’s not every guy who’s older than his stepmother. But if you love her, you love her.” Joe could tell there was something else he wanted to say. “What? I can read you like a book. What else do you want to know?” Brody suddenly looked very serious. He uncrossed his arms and began playing with the condensation on the side of his glass. “Do you love her more or less than you did Mom?” 60

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Joe was shocked by the question. It was like asking a parent to choose between their children. “More or less? Let me ask you a question, son. Who do you love more, Annie or Callum?” “That’s not fair and you know it.” Brody cut himself off when Gracie came back with their lunches of open-faced beef sandwiches. “It’s exactly the same. Why can’t you see that? I was married to your mother for twenty-eight years. And I loved her every one of them. But she’s gone now. And I’ve been blessed enough to have a second chance at love. I love Holly with all my heart. You’re right about her being too young for me. I know she is and I know I don’t deserve a woman like her. But for some damn reason, I got lucky enough for someone so beautiful and special to fall in love with me too. I can’t tell you I love them both equally. That would be a lie. But I did love your mother and I was a good and faithful husband to her. My life with Nora was just different from what I have with Holly.” Brody looked a little uncomfortable as he finished a bite of his lunch. “You talkin’ about sex?” Joe closed his eyes and blew out a breath. “Dammit, boy, you try my nerves sometimes.” How did you tell your own son that sex with his mother couldn’t begin to compare to what he had with Holly? For the first time in his life he could finally express himself sexually the way he’d always dreamed of. It was more than that, though, and that’s what he needed to make Brody see. “Yes, sex plays a part, but don’t misunderstand me. I love every square inch of Holly. Inside and out. I just want you to be happy for me. For us.” Brody put his hand out to his dad. “I am happy for you, Grandpa.” Joe shook Brody’s hand. “Thank you.” Joe shook his head. “What did you just call me?”

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“Grandpa.” Brody smiled from ear to ear. “Bel’s about three months along. We wanted to tell you sooner, but you know how many things can go wrong in the first trimester. We decided to wait until it was safe.” Joe’s first thought was for Bel’s health. “Wait. Who’s her doctor? Am I suddenly chopped liver? You know, I’ve delivered quite a few babies in my time.” Grandpa. Damn, he was gonna be a grandpa. Brody gave him a sheepish look. “Bel was hoping you wouldn’t be upset about that. She’s been seeing a good obstetrician from Colorado Springs General. Some doctor she worked with occasionally.” His pride didn’t like the idea, but he understood it might be a little uncomfortable for Bel. Getting out of the booth, Joe pulled Brody up and into his arms. “Congratulations. I’m happy for you.” “Thanks. Oh, and by the way. Holly told us that the baby wouldn’t be allowed to call her grandma. She said she prefers the name Mama Holly.” Brody grinned and sat back down to finish his lunch. “Holly knows?” Joe asked, taking his seat. “Yeah. We told her yesterday after she told us you two were getting married. Don’t get mad at her. I’m sure she wanted us to tell you. If I know anything about women, I imagine it drove her crazy not to spill the beans.” Rubbing his chin, Joe smiled. “Oh, I’m not mad at her. But you can bet your bottom dollar that woman’s in for a spanking when I get home.” “Oooh. Too much information,” Brody said, making a face. Joe knew his face was red. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. Still, the thought of bending Holly over his knee had his cock coming to life under the table. “Let’s eat up. I’ve got a few things to take care of.”

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After Joe’s last patient left, he took the stack of charts he needed to update and went to find Holly. His hand tingled with the thought of bringing it down on that pretty heart-shaped ass of hers. He walked into the kitchen expecting to find her, but it was empty. Setting his charts down on the table, he began wandering the house in search of his angel. After checking the study, the living room and the bedroom, Joe walked into the workout room. Holly was on the workout mat doing her daily stomach crunches with her earphones in. Taking off his clothes, Joe lowered himself to the floor and crawled his way over to her. Holly spotted him just as he leaned down to bite her stomach. She giggled and fell back onto the floor. Rubbing her hand across his naked back, she sighed. “All done for the day, my little horny devil?” “Not quite.” Joe took off her tennis shoes and socks and pulled down her tiny workout shorts. He moved back up and pulled off her sports bra. “I had a good lunch with Brody today.” Joe licked his way down Holly’s throat to her breasts. “I’m glad it went well.” She arched her back as he circled the large areola with the tip of his tongue. Looking up Holly’s body, he met her gaze and bit down on her nipple just the slightest bit. “Did you forget to tell me something last night?” The wide-eyed look she gave him told Joe that Holly knew exactly what he was talking about. Without another word, Joe sat up and lifted Holly into his arms. He carried her over to the weight bench and sat down. “What do you mean?” Holly asked innocently. She seemed surprised when Joe repositioned her to drape over his knees. Smoothing his hand over Holly’s soft flesh, Joe prepared to take the next step in their sexual relationship. He lightly brought his hand down on her ass. Holly jumped and turned her head to look at him. “Did you forget to tell me that I’m going to be a grandpa, perhaps?” 63

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Joe brought his hand down a little harder. The sound of his palm hitting Holly’s firmly muscled flesh almost made him come. “I’m sorry, Joe. I-I thought Brody or Bel should tell you,” Holly panted. Joe spanked her a little harder, this time after his hand hit her flesh, he ran his finger down the crack of her ass and deep into her pussy. “Yes.” Holly bowed back. Joe pulled his fingers out of Holly’s pussy and put them in his mouth. “I think someone likes to get spanked. And if you ever keep something like that from me again, you’ll get another round.” “Oh yeah. Like that’s going to give me the incentive to tell you everything.” Holly looked at Joe and smiled. Hoisting her over his shoulder, Joe headed for the bedroom. “Time for you to make it up to me, Grandma.” Holly reached down and smacked her hand against Joe’s bare ass. “Not grandma. Never grandma. I’ve told Bel and Brody already, I’m Mama Holly.” Joe tossed her on the big bed and followed her down. He tickled at her side as he kissed her stomach. “I think you’d make a sexy grandma. Otherwise the kid’ll grow up just thinking Grandpa Joe’s a dirty old man.” He bit Holly’s hipbone. “Come on. Every grandpa needs a grandma. I want you to be mine.” Holly started laughing. “You want me to be your grandma? Oh, you are a perv.” Joe flipped her over and swatted her on the butt. “No. I want you to be my other half of the grandma and grandpa thing.” Holly laid her head on the bed as Joe began kissing her ass. “I love you with all my heart. But I’m too young to be called grandma. Now personally, I think Mama Holly goes just terrifically with Grandpa Joe.” Separating the cheeks of Holly’s ass, Joe licked his fingers and began running them around Holly’s rosette. “I know you’re too young to be a grandma. That’s what still has me worried.” Joe slipped his finger into her back passage.

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Pulling her legs up under her, Holly moaned as Joe slipped another finger inside. “I may be too young to be a grandma, but I’m not too young to be a wife and lover.” After digging in their bedside drawer, Joe knelt behind her. Popping the top on the bottle of lube, he applied a generous amount to Holly’s favorite butt plug. He slowly inserted the bright pink plug into her pretty hole. Holly’s moans had him scrambling to open up the foil packet. After rolling on a condom, he turned Holly onto her back, making sure to jostle the plug lodged in her ass. He positioned his hard cock at the entrance to her pussy. “When will you marry me?” Joe thrust in deep before Holly had a chance to answer. He smiled to himself as Holly struggled to speak while he pounded in and out of her. He reached down and moved the plug in counterthrusts to his own. Holly was going wild, bucking and moaning. He’d never seen her so incoherent. On the next thrust, he inserted the plug at the same time, filling her body completely. “Will you still let me do this once we’re married?” he asked. The only answer he got out of Holly was a loud moan. She began plucking at her aroused nipples and Joe almost lost it. Damn, I love this woman. She took all he gave and asked for more. Still unable to talk, Holly took one of Joe’s hands and moved it down to her pussy. Joe took the hint and rubbed her clit in time to his thrusts. “Oh God…Oh God!” Holly screamed as she climaxed. Giving her a few more thrusts, Joe buried himself deeply and pinched Holly’s clit as he came. The pressure on her clit seemed to send Holly through the roof as she shook and quivered under him. Joe collapsed beside her. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her. Their tongues danced as their bodies began to relax. Five minutes later, Holly circled Joe’s nipples with her finger. “I don’t want a big wedding and I know you don’t either. Can we go away somewhere private and get married?”

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Running his flattened palms across her nipples, Joe raised a brow. “You mean elope?” “Yes. That’s exactly what I mean. All I want is you and me on a beach with a minister. I want to wear a simple sexy dress for my husband-to-be and I want a private cottage on the shore, even if only for one night.” Joe was shocked. “I’m not like most girls. I’ve always had the perfect wedding pictured in my head, but it’s far from traditional.” She leaned in and kissed him. “I just want you all to myself. Naked preferably, a lot.” Chuckling, Joe discarded the used condom and sheathed himself once again. All the talk about getting married had his cock going hard. Damn, who needed little blue pills with Holly around? He pulled her on top of him and thrust up into Holly’s pussy. “Do you know what you do to me? I’ve never had sex twice in a fifteen-minute time span in my life.” This time the loving was slow and easy as Holly rocked back and forth on his cock. “What beach?” he managed to ask. He slowed his pace even more. He not only wanted it to last longer, but he wanted to pin Holly down on a few details before they got sidetracked. “Somewhere warm. I don’t plan on wearing clothes for very long.” She did a little bounce on his cock. “Well then, it better be somewhere private, because no way can I walk around with an erection in public. Besides, I don’t like the thought of another man looking at you. I may have to hurt someone and then doctor them back up again.” As Joe picked up his pace, he caught her wincing slightly. He pulled her down on his chest and kissed her. “That’s enough for now, angel. Why didn’t you tell me you were still sore?” Holly snuggled into his arms. “Because I can’t get enough of you, sore or not.” Running his hands down her back, he sighed. “We still have a lot of years to make love. No sense doing something that causes pain. Just lie here and let me hold you.” 66

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Chapter Six Holly was working in her new study a week later when she heard someone behind her. She smiled, “Hey, Doctor. Wasn’t that nooner enough to tide you over?” She saved the document she was working on, spun around in her chair and almost swallowed her tongue. “Miss me, slut?” Adam stood right in front of her. Holly looked toward the door. She thought about screaming for help when Adam slapped her across the face. “Don’t even think about calling your doctor friend unless you want him to get what you’re gonna get.” He rubbed the front of his pants and laughed. “Well, I won’t give him everything you’ve got coming to you.” He pulled a gun out of the back of his pants. “Now here’s how this is going to work. You’re gonna take off your clothes and lie on that couch over there. The rest is a secret, but I’ve a feeling you’ll catch on pretty fast.” He rubbed his groin again. Feeling bile rise in her throat, she knew she had to something. Standing up, she pushed the auto dial for Bel on the cell phone that she always kept beside the computer. Walking toward the couch, Holly prayed Bel would get the message. “Why are you doing this, Adam? Why do you hate me enough to rape me?” she asked, clear enough that if Bel was listening, she’d definitely understand what was going on. “Why? Gerald hired me to distract that guy Brody so he could get Bel alone. I didn’t plan on the distraction being you. You look so much like my late wife before she became a slut. I knew right then and there I had to have you.” He motioned with the gun for her to stop. “Get undressed.”

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Holly took a deep breath. She started to take her shoes off, but evidently that was not what Adam wanted. “Take your t-shirt off, bitch. Let me see those tits of yours.” Biting the inside of her cheek, Holly pulled her t-shirt up and off. She hadn’t put a bra back on after her nooner with Joe, so in one second she was bare-breasted in front of Adam. “Please don’t do this.” “Hey, I tried to do this the nice way and just ask you out. You’re the one that had to go and make me mad. My wife made me mad. Once. She’s in hell where she belongs now and you’re fixin’ to join her.” He rubbed his crotch. “As soon as I get me a little of what you showed me a while back. Now take off your damn shorts.” Noticing the sweat forming on Adam’s forehead, Holly knew he was about to lose it completely. She slowly took her shorts off. “Lie down on the couch.” He started walking toward her. The gun aimed at her midsection. Suddenly, Holly saw Joe in the doorway and knew he was getting ready to pounce. Adam must have heard him because he spun around and pointed the gun toward Joe. Holly ran toward the man she loved, knowing Adam would kill him. She wrapped her arms around Joe just as Adam shot the gun. Holly felt a sting as she was pushed against the wall of Joe’s muscled chest. A shot rang out, but Holly barely heard it. She started to go limp in Joe’s arms. “Help me.”

***** Opening her eyes, Holly squinted against the sunlight coming in her window. She moved her head slightly and opened them again. She tried to focus on her surroundings, but everything looked fuzzy. “Aahh,” she moaned as she started to move. It felt like someone had stuck a knife in her chest and side. “Shhh. Just relax, angel.” Joe smoothed her hair off her forehead. “You’re in the hospital. Do you remember what happened?” 68

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Closing her eyes, Holly thought about what she’d been doing before she woke up. Her eyes popped open. “Adam,” she rasped out. “He can’t hurt you anymore. Callum shot him.” Joe bent and kissed her. “You saved my life. Just rest awhile, doctor’s orders.” “What’s wrong with me?” Holly barely managed to get out. “Adam shot you in the back. You have several broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Both of which will take time to heal. Now go to sleep. I’ll watch over you.” Holly let her eyes drift shut, aware that Joe was still holding her hand. She knew in the seconds before she drifted off again that she could get through anything in life as long as this man was beside her to hold her hand.

***** The next day when Holly woke from her nap, Joe was still sitting in the chair beside her. She looked around her hospital room. Every available surface was covered with bouquets of flowers from Joe. She vaguely remembered teasing him about buying out every florist in Colorado Springs. Joe had laughed and told her to get used to it. “Why don’t you go to my place and get some sleep?” Holly still couldn’t move without a great deal of pain, but at least her mind was getting back to normal. The doctor told her she’d be in the hospital for at least another three or four days. Joe had stayed with her every second. The nurses had taken pity on him and finally brought him a cot to sleep on. Rubbing his eyes, Joe stood and stretched. God help her. Here she was lying in a hospital bed and all she could think about was running her hands over Joe’s body. He bent over and kissed her, pushing his tongue deep into her mouth. “I’m not going home until I take you with me. Brody brought me some clothes and the nurses said I could shower in your bathroom, so I’m fine right where I am.” He rubbed her knuckles with his hand. “You just concentrate on getting better, leave the rest to me.”

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The best thing about that statement was that she knew to the depths of her soul that he was telling the truth. Joe would always be there, trying taking care of her. “What about Adam?” As soon as she said the name, Joe became tense. “Adam’s dead. He won’t bother you again.” Joe put the rail of Holly’s hospital bed down and pulled his chair closer. Sitting down, he rested his forearms on the bed beside her and leaned in for another kiss. “I love you so much. When I think about what might have happened if you hadn’t called Bel.” Joe sighed as he wiped his eyes. “I still can’t believe you stepped in front of that bullet for me.” Joe wiped more tears from his eyes and shook his finger at her. “Don’t ever do anything like that again. I thought I’d die when you collapsed in my arms. Never.” Joe shook his head. “I never want to feel like that again.” Joe reached over and took a tissue out of the box to blow his nose. “My life’s not worth living without you.” Touching his lips to hers, he whispered, “You are everything to me. I love you. And I plan on pampering my queen for the rest of my life.” “I love you too. Marry me, Joe. Promise me you’ll marry me as soon as I get out of the hospital.” She looked pleadingly into his warm brown eyes. Joe shook his head. “The doctor won’t let you fly, sweetheart, and I don’t know of a beach anywhere around here.” “I do,” she said as she watched Brody, Bel and Callum come into the room. “Hey, guys. What was that about a beach?” Brody asked, bending down to give Holly a kiss on the cheek. “I’ve still got a hell of a beach in my pool room left over from our honeymoon. You’re more than welcome to use it. Just make sure we’re far away from the house when you do.” Joe smiled and looked down at Holly. “Well? What do you think?”

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“I think Colorado beaches are the best beaches in the world. Now shut up and kiss me, husband-to-be.”

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Epilogue

Eighteen months later “Come on, Marley. Come to Grandma Holly.” Holly held her arms out to the teetering one-year-old as Joe walked into the room laughing. She turned around and gave him the evil eye. “What?” Squatting down beside her, Joe kissed her neck. “What happened to Mama Holly?” Without taking her eyes of the black-haired, blue-eyed little girl, Holly smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “A grandpa should have a grandma, don’t you think? Besides, it gives me a more permanent position in her life.” Sitting on the floor, Joe pulled Holly into his lap. “You have that even without the grandma title.” He snuck a quick rub to her breast. “I don’t plan on letting you get away from me. And Marley has the prettiest, sexiest grandma that ever lived.” Leaning back against Joe’s chest, Holly held out her arms. Marley took two more shaky steps and Holly wrapped her hands around the little girl’s waist. Lifting her into the air, Holly blew raspberries on her tummy. “I like this babysitting gig. You sugar them up, steal all the kisses for yourself and send them home.” She held Marley above her head again and leaned her back so Grandpa Joe could get some kisses. The doorbell rang and Joe kissed the top of Holly’s head. “Speaking of sending her home. I believe Grandma Holly needs to get all the kisses she can in while I let the daddies from hell in.” He unfolded his legs and stood. Opening the door, he smiled as Brody and Callum fought their way through the threshold, both wanting to get to Marley first. Bel chuckled as she walked through the door and kissed Joe on the cheek. “Grandma Holly has been spoiling your girl again,” Joe said. 72

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Bel turned to Holly. “Grandma? Marley, did you work your spell on Holly while we were gone?” Standing, Holly went to Joe and wrapped her arms around him. “Traitor,” she said to Joe just before kissing him. After the threesome took Marley home, Joe and Holly relaxed on the sofa. Joe ran his hand up under her shirt. “I love that little muffin to pieces, but I’ve gotten pretty used to having you all to myself.” When Joe squeezed her breast, Holly moaned and reached down to rub her hand across his jean-clad erection. She caught sight of the bouquet of roses on the entry table. Joe had given her roses every week since she’d been released from the hospital. Holly smiled and caressed Joe again. “Follow me to bed, Grandpa.” Holly stood and pulled him up and headed for the bedroom. “I’d follow you anywhere, angel.” He lifted her into his arms and headed up the staircase.

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About the Author I’ve been a reading fanatic for years and finally at the age of 40 decided to try my hand at writing. I’ve always loved romance novels that are just a little bit naughty so naturally my books tend to go just a little further. It’s my fantasy world after all. When I’m not being a mother to a five-year-old and a six-year-old, you can usually find me in my deep leather chair with either a book in my hand or my laptop.

Carol welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].

Also by Carol Lynne Feels So Right Finnegan’s Promise Gio’s Dream Men in Love 1: Branded by Gold Men in Love 2: Ben’s Wildflower Men in Love 3: Open to Possibilities Men in Love 4: Completing the Circle Men in Love 5: Going Against Orders Men in Love 6: Tortured Souls Necklace of Shame Riding the Wolf Sex With Lex

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

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